homelessness in the usa
- In January 2020, there were 580,466 people experiencing homelessness in America. Most were individuals (70 percent), and the rest were people living in families with children. They lived in every state and territory, reflecting our country's diversity.
- The nation has a temporary shelter system that reaches many needy people. However, some still sleep in locations not ordinarily designated for that purpose (for example, sidewalks, subway trains, vehicles, or parks).
- These unsheltered people are considered particularly vulnerable due to their exposure to the elements and lack of safety, among other things.
- Between 2019 and 2020, nationwide homelessness increased by two percent. This change marks the fourth straight year of incremental population growth. Previously, homelessness had primarily been declining, decreasing in eight of the nine years before the current trend began.
- The nation's homeless services systems do not have enough resources to meet the needs of everyone experiencing homelessness fully. Thus, examining the difficult decisions they must make is helpful, including how much of their limited funds should be spent on temporary versus permanent housing.