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U.S. Homelessness Rises by 18%, Driven by Housing Crisis and Natural Disasters
The United States has experienced an 18.1% surge in homelessness in 2024, marking a significant increase fueled by a lack of affordable housing, devastating natural disasters, and an influx of migrants, according to federal officials.
Data released by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reveals that over 770,000 individuals were identified as homeless during the annual January count. This figure, which excludes those staying with friends or family, represents 23 out of every 10,000 Americans and follows a 12% increase in homelessness in 2023.
Rising Family Homelessness
One of the most concerning trends is the nearly 40% increase in family homelessness. This surge was particularly pronounced in cities impacted by a rise in migrant arrivals, including Denver, Chicago, and New York City, where family homelessness more than doubled. Nationally, nearly 150,000 children were reported homeless on a single night in 2024, reflecting a 33% year-over-year increase.
Natural disasters also contributed to the crisis, with the catastrophic Maui wildfire displacing over 5,200 individuals in Hawaii, who were staying in emergency shelters at the time of the count.
Racial Disparities and Housing Crisis
The report highlights significant racial disparities, noting that while African Americans comprise 12% of the U.S. population, they account for 32% of the homeless population. Advocacy groups emphasize that the ongoing housing affordability crisis and insufficient investments in housing resources have exacerbated the problem.
“Increased homelessness is the tragic, yet predictable, consequence of under-investing in the resources and protections that help people find and maintain safe, affordable housing,” said Renee Willis, interim CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition.
Federal and Community Responses
HUD Secretary Adrianne Todman reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to addressing homelessness through evidence-based strategies, stressing the importance of safe, affordable housing for all families.
Despite the overall rise, there was progress in some areas. Homelessness among veterans decreased by 8% to 32,882 in 2024, with unsheltered veteran homelessness dropping by 11%. Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, highlighted the decline as a model for addressing the broader crisis through bipartisan support and adequate funding.
Cities like Dallas and Los Angeles also reported success. Dallas saw a 16% decrease in homelessness between 2022 and 2024, while Los Angeles reported a 5% decline in unsheltered homelessness since 2023.
Policy Challenges
Meanwhile, some communities have adopted stricter enforcement measures, including camping bans. This approach follows a Supreme Court ruling allowing such bans, which has sparked controversy among advocates who argue it criminalizes homelessness.
The sharp increase in homelessness contrasts with a decade of progress made between 2010 and 2020, when federal efforts, particularly for veterans, helped reduce homelessness. Experts are calling for renewed investments and policy innovations to address the growing crisis.
News
Europe Forms ‘Coalition of the Willing’ to Support Ukraine Amid Uncertainty Over U.S. Role
European leaders have officially launched the “Coalition of the Willing,” a multinational effort led by the United Kingdom and France to support Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia. The coalition, formed in response to shifting global diplomacy and concerns over Russia’s expansionist agenda, aims to ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty and prevent further escalation in the region.
A Response to Trump-Putin Negotiations
The formation of the coalition gained urgency following a surprise phone call between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 12. The call, which took place without prior consultation with European allies, raised alarms across the continent, prompting European leaders to take a more proactive role in shaping the future of the conflict.
Since then, multiple high-level summits have been held, with French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer spearheading the initiative. “Our goal is clear: to secure peace,” Macron stated. “To do this, we must put Ukraine in the best possible position to negotiate and ensure a lasting peace for all Europeans.”
Who Is Part of the Coalition?
The coalition has grown rapidly, now including 33 delegations from across Europe and beyond. Leaders from Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, Sweden, and other EU nations have joined, alongside representatives from NATO and the European Commission. Notably, Turkey, Australia, and Canada have also taken part in discussions.
However, some key countries remain absent. Austria and Malta have declined participation due to their neutral status, while Hungary and Slovakia, both NATO members, have resisted military support for Ukraine. The United States has not formally joined the coalition, though European leaders remain hopeful that Washington will provide some form of assistance, particularly in intelligence sharing and air defense.
Key Objectives of the Coalition
The coalition has outlined three main areas of focus:
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Military Support for Ukraine – European nations have pledged continued military aid, including artillery, air defense systems, drones, and training programs to strengthen Ukraine’s armed forces.
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Deployment of a ‘Reassurance Force’ – A new security force, composed of Western troops, will be stationed in Ukraine at key locations such as cities, ports, and power plants. The goal is to deter Russian aggression rather than engage in frontline combat. France and the UK have already committed soldiers, with Sweden, Denmark, and Belgium considering participation.
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Strengthening European Defense Capabilities – The European Commission has proposed an €800 billion investment plan to enhance Europe’s defense industry, with Ukraine set to benefit from these funds.
Uncertainty Over U.S. Involvement
While European leaders have made diplomatic efforts to engage the U.S., there is little clarity on whether Washington will actively support the coalition. Trump’s administration has hinted at reducing American troop presence in Europe, raising concerns about long-term transatlantic security commitments.
Despite this, Starmer remains optimistic. “This is a force designed to deter and send a message to Putin that this peace deal will be defended,” he stated.
Next Steps
The coalition is now working to finalize details of the reassurance force, including troop numbers, locations, and operational structures. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has invited military representatives to Kyiv to begin planning, with a follow-up summit expected in the coming weeks.
With Europe taking the lead, the coalition marks a significant shift in the West’s approach to the war, signaling that European nations are prepared to act independently if necessary to safeguard Ukraine’s future.
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