The surge of illegal migrants entering the United States is directly contributing to a rise in homelessness, with the country on track to reach its highest number of homeless individuals since data first started being recorded. In January alone, at least 550,000 people were reported homeless, coinciding with a record number of border crossings. This figure represents a 10% increase from the previous year, which already had the highest annual tally since 2007.
The impact of this growing homeless population is evident in cities across the country, with local governments struggling to fund shelters and provide assistance to those in need. The data for this past January is expected to be even higher, as some cities, like New York City, have yet to report their numbers to the government. If the current trend continues, the US is on track to surpass the historic homeless figure of 653,000 recorded in 2023.
One of the key factors contributing to the rise in homelessness is the influx of migrants crossing the border and claiming asylum. Cities like New York, Chicago, Boston, and Denver have seen a significant increase in their homeless populations as a result. In Massachusetts, migrants make up almost half of the families in state shelters, with the state expected to spend over $1 billion on housing migrants this fiscal year.
In Chicago, migrants account for more than 70% of the homeless population, with numbers tripling to over 18,800 individuals in January. In Denver, migrant gangs have contributed to a 42% increase in the city’s homeless population. While migrant border crossings have decreased since their peak earlier this year, the impact on homelessness remains significant.
Other contributing factors to the rise in homelessness include rising fentanyl use, increasing housing and rent prices, and the expiration of pandemic-era tax credits. California, in particular, has been struggling to shelter its large homeless population, with over 180,000 individuals reported homeless in 2023.
Despite efforts to address the homelessness crisis, including calls from Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom to clear out encampments, the issue persists. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has yet to release its official report for 2024, but estimates from organizations like the Wall Street Journal suggest that the true number of homeless individuals in the US is likely higher than reported by HUD.
As cities continue to grapple with the growing number of homeless individuals, it is clear that a comprehensive and coordinated approach is needed to address the root causes of homelessness and provide support to those in need.
