US homelessness up 18% as affordable housing remains out of reach for many people – The Associated Press

United States Sees 18.1% Increase in Homelessness, Driven by Affordable Housing Crisis and Other Factors

The United States has experienced an 18.1% increase in homelessness this year, according to federal officials. This dramatic rise can be attributed primarily to a lack of affordable housing, as well as devastating natural disasters and a surge of migrants in several parts of the country. These alarming statistics highlight the urgent need to address the issue of homelessness and work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Homelessness Statistics and Undercounting

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) conducted federally required tallies in January and found that more than 770,000 people were counted as homeless. However, this number does not include individuals staying with friends or family due to a lack of their own housing. It is important to note that the actual number of homeless individuals is likely higher than reported.

Causes of Homelessness

This year’s 18.1% increase in homelessness builds upon a 12% increase in 2023, which was attributed to soaring rents and the end of pandemic assistance. The rise in homelessness is also influenced by individuals experiencing homelessness for the first time. Notably, Black people are overrepresented among the homeless population in the United States.

Sustainable Development Goals and Government Response

The Biden-Harris Administration recognizes the importance of addressing homelessness and is committed to ensuring every family has access to affordable, safe, and quality housing. HUD Agency Head Adrianne Todman emphasizes the need for evidence-based efforts to prevent and end homelessness. This aligns with SDG 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

Increase in Family Homelessness and Impact of Migrants

One of the most concerning trends is the nearly 40% rise in family homelessness, particularly in big cities affected by the arrival of migrants. HUD reports that family homelessness more than doubled in 13 communities impacted by migrants, while it rose less than 8% in the remaining 373 communities. This highlights the need for targeted interventions and support for families experiencing homelessness. SDG 1, which focuses on eradicating poverty, and SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequalities, are particularly relevant in addressing this issue.

Disasters and Homelessness

Natural disasters, such as the catastrophic Maui wildfire, have also contributed to the increase in homelessness. Last year’s wildfire resulted in over 5,200 people seeking shelter in emergency shelters in Hawaii. This emphasizes the importance of disaster preparedness and resilience, as outlined in SDG 11.

Addressing the Housing Affordability Crisis

The rise in homelessness can be attributed to underinvestment in affordable housing resources and protections. Sky-high housing costs have made it increasingly difficult for individuals and families to afford stable housing. Advocates stress the need for increased investments, policy solutions, and job training programs to address the housing affordability crisis. SDG 8, which focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, is relevant in this context.

Communities Taking a Hard Line Against Homelessness

Some communities, particularly in Western states, have implemented bans on camping as a response to homelessness. This approach has been criticized by homeless advocates, who argue that it criminalizes homelessness. SDG 10 emphasizes the need to reduce inequalities and ensure equal access to basic services for all individuals, including those experiencing homelessness.

Positive Trends and Success Stories

While the overall increase in homelessness is concerning, there have been some positive developments. Homelessness among veterans continues to decrease, with an 8% drop in 2024. This success can serve as a roadmap for addressing homelessness on a larger scale. Adequate funding, bipartisan support, and smart policy solutions are crucial in replicating this success and reducing homelessness nationwide. SDG 1 and SDG 3, which focuses on good health and well-being, are relevant in this context.

Conclusion

The sharp increase in homelessness in the United States highlights the urgent need for action. It is crucial to prioritize affordable housing, invest in resources and protections, and address the underlying causes of homelessness, such as poverty and housing affordability. By aligning efforts with the SDGs, the United States can work towards creating inclusive, sustainable, and resilient communities for all.

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This story has been updated to correct that the Supreme Court ruling that found that outdoor sleeping bans don’t violate the Eighth Amendment was this year, not last year.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 1: No Poverty
• SDG 2: Zero Hunger
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology, and financial services, including microfinance.
• SDG 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
• SDG 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
• SDG 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
• SDG 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
• SDG 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
• SDG 10.1: By 2030, progressively achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40% of the population at a rate higher than the national average.
• SDG 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
• SDG 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
• SDG 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 1.4.2: Proportion of total adult population with secure tenure rights to land, with legally recognized documentation and who perceive their rights to land as secure, by sex and by type of tenure.
• Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease.
• Indicator 4.1.1: Proportion of children and young people (a) in grades 2/3; (b) at the end of primary; and (c) at the end of lower secondary achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in (i) reading and (ii) mathematics, by sex.
• Indicator 5.1.1: Whether or not legal frameworks are in place to promote, enforce, and monitor equality and non-discrimination on the basis of sex.
• Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services.
• Indicator 8.5.1: Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age group, and persons with disabilities.
• Indicator 10.1.1: Growth rates of household expenditure or income per capita among the bottom 40% of the population and the total population.
• Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing.
• Indicator 16.3.3: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized mechanisms.
• Indicator 17.17.1: Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private and civil society partnerships.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: apnews.com