elpais.com
US Homelessness Reaches Record High in 2024
The number of homeless people in the US reached a record high of over 770,000 in 2024, an 18% increase from 2023, driven by factors such as the worsening affordable housing crisis, the end of pandemic aid, the influx of asylum seekers, and natural disasters.
- What are the key factors driving the record-high number of homeless people in the US in 2024?
- The number of homeless individuals in the US surged to a record high in 2024, exceeding 770,000—an 18% increase from 2023 and a 33% rise since 2022. This represents 23 out of every 10,000 people, disproportionately affecting the African American population. The increase is attributed to the worsening affordable housing crisis, the end of pandemic-era federal aid, and the influx of asylum seekers.
- How did the influx of asylum seekers impact the rise in homelessness, and what specific cities were most affected?
- The rise in homelessness is linked to multiple converging factors: a national affordable housing crisis exacerbated by inflation; the termination of pandemic relief programs; and a significant increase in asylum seekers straining shelter capacity, particularly in cities like Denver, Chicago, and New York. The sharpest increase was among families (40%) and unaccompanied minors (33%).
- What long-term systemic changes are needed to address the root causes of the homelessness crisis, considering the projected continuation of climate change-induced disasters and population shifts?
- The disproportionate impact of the increase on families and children highlights the vulnerability of these groups. The influx of asylum seekers, while contributing to the overall numbers, also exposed existing systemic issues in the provision of affordable housing and shelter resources. Continued increases in homelessness are likely unless significant policy changes are enacted.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the increase in homelessness as a significant national crisis, emphasizing the alarming rise in numbers. The use of phrases like "disparó" (skyrocketed) and "el nivel más alto desde que empezó a contabilizarse" (highest level since record-keeping began) sets a dramatic tone. While presenting various factors, the article's emphasis on the increase in immigration and the strain on shelters may subtly suggest these as primary drivers, potentially overshadowing other contributing factors like the housing crisis or the end of pandemic aid. The headline (if one were to be created) would likely emphasize the increase in homelessness.
Language Bias
The language used, while factual, tends towards alarmist framing. The use of words like "disparó" (skyrocketed) and the repeated emphasis on record-high numbers contribute to a sense of crisis. While accurately reflecting the data, this choice of language could influence reader perception by exaggerating the severity of the situation. More neutral language could soften the tone without sacrificing the factual accuracy.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the increase in homelessness and the factors contributing to it, but it could benefit from including perspectives from those experiencing homelessness. While mentioning the efforts of the Biden-Harris administration, it lacks a detailed exploration of the effectiveness or limitations of their policies. Additionally, the article mentions the impact of natural disasters but doesn't quantify their overall contribution to the homelessness numbers compared to other factors. The article also does not explore in detail the long-term solutions or preventative measures beyond the statement from the agency director.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic framing by focusing primarily on the increase in homelessness without sufficiently exploring the multifaceted nature of the problem. While acknowledging various contributing factors, the narrative implicitly suggests a causal link between immigration and increased homelessness, potentially neglecting other significant factors or the complex interplay between them. The article doesn't provide nuanced discussion of the potential benefits or drawbacks of current immigration policies on this issue.
Gender Bias
The article does not exhibit overt gender bias in its language or representation. However, it could benefit from providing a more detailed breakdown of homelessness across different gender identities, rather than simply focusing on overall numbers and the disproportionate impact on families.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights a significant increase in homelessness in the US, reaching the highest level since record-keeping began. This directly contradicts SDG 1, No Poverty, which aims to eradicate poverty in all its forms everywhere. The rise in homelessness, driven by factors like the housing crisis, end of pandemic aid, and influx of immigrants, demonstrates a setback in efforts to reduce poverty and ensure decent living standards.