On December 15, HUD Released part one of their Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR), which revealed a 12% increase in the number of individuals experiencing homelessness on a single night compared to 2022.

According to HUD, this is highest number of people reported to be experiencing homelessness on a single night since 2007 when reporting began.

The report, which is conducted every year, provides a glimpse into the number of individuals in shelters, temporary housing, and in unsheltered settings. More than 650,000 people were found to be experiencing homelessness on a single night in January 2023. Six in ten people experienced homelessness in shelters while the remaining experienced unsheltered homelessness.

Demographics of Homelessness in 2023

In 2023, the report shows that people who identify as Black or Indigenous continue to be overrepresented among the population
experiencing homelessness. Of the total number of those experiencing homelessness in the U.S., 37% identified as Black, African American, or African. Additionally, those who identified as Indigenous had the largest percentage increase in sheltered homelessness by 18% or 1,631 more people.

Of those experiencing homelessness, 72% experienced homelessness in households without children. More than 34,700 unaccompanied youth under the age of 25 were found to experiencing homelessness as well (a 15% increase from 2022). Veterans experiencing homelessness saw a 7% increase raising the total to 35,574 in 2023.

Continuums of Care (CoC)

According to data received from 381 CoCs, more than 52% of all people experiencing homelessness in the United States were located in the top 50 largest cities. This is 50,277 more people than 2022. While this may be the most notable increase, homelessness increased across all geographic categories in 2023.

The rise in homelessness also meant a rise in bed inventory. Between 2022 to 2023, bed inventory increased for those currently experiencing homelessness by 7% and for those formerly experiencing homelessness by 6%. This inventory increased across all rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing, and other permanent housing programs.

For the full report, please see here.