By Ricardo Lezama 
Homelessness in the U.S increased by 18% last year, with affordable housing continuing to be out of reach for many and substance abuse being another contributing factor in people’s lack of secured housing.
For many, Mayor Adams’ veto of legislation to expand rental assistance is one of a series of related contributing factors. Homelessness is higher in New York City than in any other U.S. city, rising by 25% last year. This alarming fact is the result of exorbitant housing costs and a lack of leadership from city governments. Skyrocketing rents, which increased by 40% since 2019, contribute to a further dramatic rise in homelessness.
Covid Relief
Federal Covid relief released under the Biden administration provided a lot of support for homeless problems. This amount of money paid for hotel vouchers, non-profit staff employment so they can chase after homeless people and additional county level posts.
Federal aid that helped keep people housed during the onset of COVID-19 has since ended, leaving individuals grappling with higher prices for housing, food, and other essential goods. Data released by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reveals more than 770,000 homeless people as of January, marking a 12% increase from the previous year. A significant percentage of this amount include children and elderly individuals over the age of 55.
Context For US Homelessness
For some, the primary driving factors of U.S. homelessness are rising rents and a lack of housing supply relative to demand, further compounded by stagnated wages and systemic racism. The latter may be harder to quantify but a large proportion of African American homeless can be seen in New York City than anywhere else. The escalating wealth disparity also creates societal complications, with homelessness rising by 18% even as wealth concentration continues upwards.
Critics argue that the government’s failure to address mental health services has worsened the issue. There have been varied reactions surrounding this issue on social media, with some blaming current and past political leaders, and others attributing homelessness to ineffective housing and immigration policies. Amid these discussions, the primary consensus is clear: there is a need for structural change to alleviate the escalating issue of homelessness in the U.S.