Fewer people are homeless in the U.S., homelessness is down especially among families with children, veterans, and folks who have long-term disabilities, according to HUD’s 2016 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress.
The report states that 549,928 individuals were homeless on a single night recorded in 2016, a 14 percent drop since 2010. HUD credits some of the drop to the Obama Administration’s launch in 2010 of Opening Doors, a road map for 19 federal member agencies to assist prevent and eliminate homelessness in the nation. During the last 7 years, HUD says the nation has seen a 23% drop in families that are homeless, a 47% decrease in veteran homelessness, and a 27% decline in individuals experiencing chronic homelessness.
The number of people who are homeless dropped in 37 states between 2015 and 2016. The most significant decreases were in Florida (2,341 fewer individuals were homeless), New York (1,898 fewer people), Illinois (1,587), Massachusetts (1,527), and Nevada (1,345). Meanwhile, the greatest percentage decreases were in North Dakota (29%), Vermont (27%), West Virginia (24%), Montana (17%), and Nevada (15%).
The following chart shows estimates of the volume of homeless people by state.
Homelessness is still Declining in the U.S.
While homelessness is improving in the nation, HUD Secretary Julian Castro noted that the number of “doubled up” or rent-burdened families remains a high concern.
“While our continued progress reinforces that we are on the right path, the data also makes clear that we must increase the pace of that progress,” adds Matthew Doherty, executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. “To do so, we must be unwavering in our commitment to strategies and investments that are working. Our communities and our citizens deserve nothing less.”
We feel that this is an issue that we can make a difference with. We have volunteered every year with several local Non Profit Organizations here in the Tampa Bay Area, if you have any suggestions of organizations that may need some help this year, we would love to hear from you. Simply click here to let us know.
