U.S. homelessness hits record high with families facing steepest rise

Homelessness in the U.S. has reached a record high, with 770,000 people reported homeless in a single night, an 18% increase from 2023. Families with children saw the largest rise, up 39%. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development attributes this increase to factors like immigration, natural disasters, and a shortage of affordable housing. Many families are struggling to meet basic needs, even with dual incomes. In response to the crisis, some cities are enforcing laws against public sleeping. Pittsburgh plans to clear encampments, despite local advocacy groups opposing these measures. The city faces a significant housing deficit, with estimates ranging from 8,200 to 26,000 units needed for low-income households.