A new federal report reveals a decrease in homelessness both in California and across the United States last year.
The report, released on Friday by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), shows that the number of homeless individuals in California dropped by 2.8% to 181,934, while the national figure decreased by 3.3%, marking the first decline since 2016. Nationwide, an estimated 745,652 people are experiencing homelessness.
The delayed release of the report has sparked discussions among activists and policymakers. According to CalMatters, the report’s findings challenge the Trump administration’s stance that current homelessness policies are ineffective. The administration has criticized the “housing first” approach, which focuses on providing permanent housing before addressing other needs, such as mental health and addiction treatment. However, California’s data suggests that this strategy may be working, as the state reported a 9% decrease in unsheltered homelessness.
The report also highlights ongoing challenges. Despite the overall decline, homelessness remains a significant issue, with some states still experiencing increases. The National Alliance to End Homelessness emphasizes the need for more affordable housing and supportive services to address the root causes of homelessness.
The data’s release has been met with mixed reactions. HUD Secretary Scott Turner stated that the figures indicate a need to revise existing policies. Meanwhile, Jesse Rabinowitz from the National Homelessness Law Center attributes the decrease to efforts made during President Joe Biden’s administration, which prioritized funding for housing and support services.
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