The United States is on track to break records for homelessness in 2024, with preliminary data indicating a sharp rise in people living on the streets and in shelters. Early reports show that the number of homeless individuals has grown by 10% compared to last year, with an estimated 550,000 people already counted, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Cities like New York, Chicago and Denver have been particularly impacted by the influx of migrants bused in from states like Texas. These migrants have filled shelters, contributing to the rising homelessness numbers. The Journal noted that the final count may exceed the 653,000 homeless people recorded in 2023, which was the highest number since data collection began in 2007.
Illegal border crossings and migrant arrivals have placed a significant financial burden on taxpayers, as many migrants require shelter, food, and social services. This increase has also been linked to rising crime and gang violence in major cities. The Biden administration’s border policies and pro-migration stance are being blamed for worsening the homelessness crisis, which has led many working Americans to also face housing instability.
With homelessness and crime rising, the situation has become a flashpoint in national debates over immigration, fiscal responsibility, and social services.
