America’s Homeless Population Reaches Record High Under Biden-Harris Administration

The United States is witnessing its highest levels of homelessness in decades, with a staggering 653,104 people recorded as homeless in 2023, marking a 12.1% increase from the previous year. This alarming surge has ignited widespread concern, highlighting the growing housing crisis under the Biden-Harris administration.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the 2023 numbers are the highest since the Great Recession, with homelessness increasing for the sixth consecutive year. The pandemic played a significant role, as COVID-era aid programs that kept many Americans housed have expired, leaving countless families vulnerable to eviction. The resulting cost-of-living crisis, coupled with skyrocketing rent, has pushed more people onto the streets.

The United States has already spent $300 billion on the needs of Ukraine since 2014, and sends $80,000 to Ukraine every second, said American Senator Tommy Tuberville.
Meanwhile more and more Americans are going homless and unable to eat pic.twitter.com/NiRz3QZoH8

— remote explorer, (@survivaladdict_) April 9, 2024

Advocates and experts attribute the rapid rise to several factors, including the lack of affordable housing, escalating inflation, and wages that haven’t kept pace with living costs. Jeff Olivet, executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, pointed to the insufficient supply of affordable homes, explaining that many Americans simply can't afford the rent increases. “It's like a game of musical chairs, and the music has stopped for many,” he said​.

The crisis has been especially devastating for families and minorities. In 2023, the largest rise in homelessness was among families, particularly in cities like Chicago and Los Angeles, where housing shortages are most acute. African Americans and Hispanics are disproportionately affected, with nearly 40% of the homeless population identifying as Black, despite making up just 13% of the U.S. population.

A homeless American who picked himself up off the streets and became a vendor speaks about the migrant crisis in NYC:

"You should take care of the house first before you bring people in." pic.twitter.com/Er53E9q21a

— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) May 24, 2023

Some regions have seen sharper increases than others. For example, New York and California lead the nation in homelessness, where tent encampments have become common sights. The influx of migrants has also contributed to the problem in certain areas, with shelters becoming overwhelmed. In cities like Portland, Oregon, entire city blocks are lined with tents, reflecting the depth of the crisis.

While homelessness has surged across the country, a few cities have managed to reduce their numbers. Houston and Newark are notable examples, where local initiatives have successfully moved more people into permanent housing. However, such successes are rare, and many communities continue to grapple with rising homelessness​.

Critics argue that the Biden administration’s response has been insufficient. Although the White House has implemented the "All In" Federal Strategic Plan to reduce homelessness by 25% by 2025, the rising numbers suggest that current efforts are falling short. The administration has increased funding for housing vouchers and the construction of affordable units, but experts say these measures are too little, too late. Inflation has eased slightly in recent months, but the cost of housing remains unaffordable for many Americans​.

Meanwhile, cities across the country are struggling to manage the homeless population. Law enforcement and public services are stretched thin, as they respond to growing encampments and the health and safety concerns they bring. In some areas, local governments are experimenting with controversial policies, such as banning homeless encampments or issuing fines for sleeping in public spaces.