Homelessness Across America
This page provides a snapshot of articles addressing how homelessness affects communities across the country, and how communities respond in a multitude of ways.
Chula Vista to open South Bay's first motel-turned-homeless housing in 2025
Chula Vista is set to transform the Palomar Motel into homeless housing and a safe parking lot facility. The city’s plan to provide shelter and help people transition into housing is the first project to be done in the South Bay. Carlos Rodriguez, project manager for the Palomar Motel, explained that residents will be provided with a support services program to transition out of homelessness and housing instability. The plan includes turning the motel’s 30 of 32 rooms into refurbished apartments for the residents and the rest for on-site service providers. Currently, the housing will be aimed at supporting anyone in need, addressing the 2023 current point-in-time count of the 300+ people living on the streets. While opposition to the project has arisen from nearby residents, city officials continue to aim to select a developer and begin construction.
Homelessness Rose to Record Level This Year, Government Says
In 2023, the U.S. homeless population surged by more than 70,000 people (12 percent), making it the largest one-year increase since 2007. This increase impacted all demographics within the homeless population and is attributed to rising rent costs and the end of pandemic measures such as emergency rental aid and bans on eviction. Some researchers point out that the growth in homelessness is affected by the influx of migrants in cities like New York, Denver, and Chicago. Officials and academic experts cite the shortage of affordable homes as a significant cause. Political debates have intensified over homelessness and former President Biden’s efforts to extend housing aid has seen little success from Congress. Experts suggest that inflation and the ineffectiveness of the homeless services system exacerbate homelessness, and warn that it will continue to rise without significant policy intervention.
Cities crack down on homeless encampments. Advocates say that’s not the answer
Numerous cities in the U.S. are increasing efforts to clear homeless encampments due to concerns about public pressure, safety, and sanitation. The Associated Press noted that Denver, Phoenix, Portland, and New York City have cleared encampments. People experiencing homelessness say that they are dehumanized during sweeps and their advocates argue that the sweeps are a waste of taxpayer money, emphasizing the need for more affordable housing and services instead of crackdowns. City officials expressed that they struggle with connecting people to long-term housing and services after sweeps because staying in tents offers them community and autonomy.
Reno Is Beating the Odds in Solving Homelessness
The City of Reno, Nevada has collaborated with the City of Sparks and Washoe County to implement the Nevada Cares Campus in 2021. The Campus provides large tents and satellite sleeping pods to accommodate over 600 people. This has contributed to a decrease in unsheltered homelessness, from 780 to 329 people. The Reno model also includes job assistance, access to service opportunities, and transitioning into permanent housing. Despite initial challenges such as crime and infrastructure, the campus has demonstrated success in stabilizing clients but does not address the shortage of affordable housing. Critics have faulted the Campus for essentially warehousing people and implementing overly strict rules.