A recent report from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reveals a dramatic surge in homelessness since President Biden took office, painting a stark picture of the administration's struggles with this critical issue. The report, which provides an annual snapshot of homelessness in America, indicates that in January 2024, a staggering 771,480 individuals experienced homelessness, marking the highest number since data collection began in 2007.

This represents a significant increase from the 580,466 individuals experiencing homelessness at the start of 2020, during President Trump's last year in office. Excluding 2021 due to incomplete data related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise in homelessness between 2020 and 2024 is over 32%, a concerning trend that breaks from the relative stability observed in the eight years preceding President Biden's term.

The HUD report also sheds light on the demographics of homelessness, revealing that men constitute approximately six out of ten homeless individuals in the US. Racially, African Americans and White Americans are disproportionately affected by homelessness, comprising roughly 31% and 38% of the homeless population, respectively. This disparity suggests that African American men, in particular, face a significantly higher risk of homelessness compared to other demographics.

Several factors contribute to this escalating crisis, many stemming from policy decisions enacted during President Biden's tenure. A key driver is the sharp rise in housing costs, with rent increasing by 19% and average home sale prices surging by 26% between 2019 and 2024. This surge is largely attributed to the widespread inflation triggered by the administration's substantial government spending and regulatory policies, which significantly increased the money supply without a corresponding increase in housing availability.

Furthermore, the Biden administration's immigration policies have exacerbated the situation. The influx of migrants, fueled by perceived leniency at the border and in asylum processes, has placed immense strain on local resources, including housing and shelters. HUD acknowledges this, citing immigration and natural disasters, particularly the Maui wildfires, as significant contributors to the rise in homelessness. Reports from local Continuums of Care (CoCs) highlight the impact of immigration, with New York City's CoC attributing nearly 88% of its increase in sheltered homelessness to the influx of asylum seekers.

Addressing this crisis demands a multi-pronged approach. Reducing government spending, easing regulations to stimulate housing development, and reforming the immigration system are crucial steps towards mitigating the factors contributing to homelessness. While President Trump has pledged to tackle these issues, the complexities of governance pose significant challenges.