The United States is currently facing its largest surge in homelessness, with a record 11% annual increase. This alarming rise has been attributed to rising costs, lack of housing, and the ongoing border crisis. The situation is further exacerbated by issues such as crime and drug abuse.
According to a report by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), the number of individuals living on the streets has reached nearly 600,000, marking the most significant spike since the federal government began recording these statistics in 2007. Hotspots like Oakland and San Francisco in California have experienced a notable increase in what is known as ‘drug tourism.’
Seneca Scott, founder of Neighbors Together Oakland, explains that many newcomers are attracted to these cities because of the safe and easy access to their drug of choice and the opportunity to engage in theft to support their drug habits. This influx of individuals has had a detrimental effect on property values, compounding the crisis in these areas.
Oakland, for instance, has seen its homeless population rise by 50% since 2015, according to city data. Additionally, cities like Los Angeles and Seattle are grappling with increasing numbers of homeless individuals. In LA’s downtown areas, makeshift tent cities have emerged, with drug activities prevalent among the homeless population. The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority reports a staggering 10% increase in homelessness from the previous year, with approximately 42,260 individuals currently homeless in the city.
In Seattle, the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) is facing criticism as hundreds of tiny homes intended for the homeless remain unused in storage. Despite a 38% surge in homelessness from 2020 to 2022 in the city, 204 of these homes are currently locked and guarded, creating frustration among those in need.
The situation is further exacerbated by the fading relief programs implemented during the pandemic. While the US had implemented eviction bans and other measures to support individuals during the crisis, the withdrawal of these initiatives has deepened the housing issue. Escalating costs, limited available housing, and the ongoing border crisis also contribute to the homelessness problem. New York City, for example, experiences a constant influx of approximately 2,300 illegal immigrants from the border each week, putting significant strain on already scarce housing resources.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development is expected to release official figures on the issue later this year. However, it is evident that the homeless situation in America is spiraling out of control, with no end in sight. Many of the affected cities are experiencing the negative consequences of their defund the police efforts, as well as a lack of prosecution and a drug problem that worsens crime. For law-abiding citizens, this crisis leads to plummeting home prices and exorbitant taxes that do not come close to addressing the issue.
It is crucial for stakeholders to address the root causes of homelessness and work towards sustainable solutions. This includes a comprehensive approach that focuses on affordable housing, addressing drug addiction, providing mental health support, and implementing effective policies to prevent homelessness and support those in need. Only through collective efforts and a commitment to tackling this crisis can the United States find a way to alleviate the suffering of its homeless population and create a more inclusive society.
