HUD Reports Alarming 18% Surge in Nationwide Homelessness, Arizona’s Rate Climbs 3.5%

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released its annual assessment of homelessness for 2024, revealing a nationwide uptick in unsheltered individuals. The report indicates an 18% increase in homelessness across the country compared to 2023, with Arizona specifically experiencing a 3.5% rise.

The assessment is based on the “point-in-time count,” which analyzes the number of people experiencing homelessness on a designated day each January. However, HUD cautions that this method often reflects outdated data, stating in a recent release that it “likely does not represent current circumstances” due to evolving policies and conditions throughout the year.

According to the report, approximately 771,480 people, or 23 out of every 10,000 Americans, are currently homeless. In Arizona, the report noted 14,737 individuals, translating to 20 per 10,000, closely mirroring the national average.

In the Tucson region alone, earlier counts estimated 2,102 individuals facing homelessness, with 821 residing in emergency shelters and 1,281 living outdoors or in transient locations.

Significantly, nearly all demographics of homeless individuals reached record levels this year. Families with children, single individuals, those with chronic patterns of homelessness, and unaccompanied youth all saw unprecedented increases in their respective categories.

HUD attributes the rise in homelessness to several contributing factors: a deepening affordable housing crisis, inflation, stagnant wages, and systemic racism. These conditions have overwhelmed homelessness services, while public health crises, natural disasters, increased migration, and the termination of pandemic-era assistance programs, such as eviction moratoriums, have further exacerbated the situation.

In contrast, the agency reported a decrease in homeless veterans nationwide, with an 8% drop compared to 2023 and a remarkable 55% reduction since tracking began in 2009. HUD Secretary Adrianne Todman noted the positive impact of “evidence-based efforts” that have been implemented to tackle this issue.

Despite the national trend, Arizona saw a 6.7% increase in its homeless veteran population this year, along with an alarming 42% rise in unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness since 2023. In Tucson, the overall homelessness rate has decreased by 15% since 2013 but has surged by 53% since 2019.

The city of Tucson is preparing for its next annual point-in-time count scheduled for January 29, from 6 to 11 a.m. City officials are seeking volunteers for this crucial survey, which will help assess the need for additional shelter beds in the upcoming year.