US Homelessness Surges 27% Since 2013, HUD Report Highlights Shifting Trends

US Homelessness Surges 27% Since 2013, HUD Report Highlights Shifting Trends
SLUG: us-homelessness-surges-27-since-2013-hud-report
EXCERPT: A new report from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reveals a significant long-term increase in homelessness, despite a recent short-term dip. The findings challenge the effectiveness of certain housing policies and signal a need for adaptive strategies.
CATEGORY: housing
TAGS: Department of Housing and Urban Development, Homelessness, Unhoused, Housing Assistance, Housing First
SEO_TITLE: HUD Report: US Homelessness Rises 27% Since 2013, Examining Policy Impacts
SEO_DESCRIPTION: A recent HUD report indicates a 27% rise in US homelessness since 2013, with regional shifts and policy debates emerging. Understand the data and its implications for housing strategies.
MEDIA_QUERY: Unhoused individuals in a temporary shelter in Washington D.C.
IMAGE_ALT: An unhoused man in Washington D.C.

US Homelessness Surges 27% Since 2013, HUD Report Highlights Shifting Trends

A recent point-in-time homelessness count conducted in 2025 by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has revealed a concerning long-term trend: homelessness across the United States has grown by 27% since 2013. While the report indicates a 3% decrease in the unhoused population between 2024 and 2025, this short-term decline does not offset the substantial increase observed over the past decade.

The findings, reported by Tristan Navera for Realtor.com, are prompting a re-evaluation of existing strategies and policies aimed at addressing homelessness. HUD Secretary Scott Turner has publicly linked the persistent rise in homelessness to the perceived shortcomings of “housing first” programs, which prioritize providing housing without mandating treatment for addiction or other underlying issues. This perspective underpins HUD’s proposed budget, which seeks a 13% reduction, including $10.7 billion in prospective cuts targeting programs like Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing and fair housing initiatives.

Regional Variations in Homelessness

The HUD report also highlights significant geographical disparities in the homelessness trends. Between 2024 and 2025, notable decreases in homelessness were observed in California, New York State, and Florida. However, this progress was counterbalanced by increases in other states, including Oregon, North Carolina, Utah, and Colorado. These localized shifts underscore the complex and multifaceted nature of homelessness, influenced by a variety of economic, social, and policy factors specific to each region.

Policy Debates and Proposed Cuts

Secretary Turner’s assertion that the long-term increase in homelessness demonstrates the failure of “housing first” programs has ignited debate within the urbanism and housing policy sectors. He argues that a focus on housing without addressing core issues like addiction or mental health is an ineffective approach. Consequently, HUD is proposing significant cuts to key funding streams, including the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships programs. These programs are vital for supporting local housing initiatives, infrastructure development, and community services.

While Congress has responded with a budget that aims to preserve some funding for the CDBG and HOME programs, it still includes overall cuts to HUD’s current budget. This fiscal pressure complicates the efforts of local governments and non-profit organizations that rely on these federal funds to provide essential services and housing solutions for vulnerable populations. The proposed reductions signal a potential shift in federal priorities and could impact the scale and scope of homelessness prevention and intervention efforts across the country.

Key facts

Impact on Housing Strategies

The report’s findings and the ensuing policy discussions have significant implications for urban planning and housing development. The emphasis on “housing first” has been a cornerstone of many strategies to combat homelessness, aiming to provide immediate stability. However, the data suggests that this approach, in isolation, may not be sufficient to address the complex needs of all unhoused individuals.

The proposed budget cuts to CDBG and HOME programs could hinder the development of affordable housing, the provision of rental assistance, and the funding of crucial support services. Urban planners and policymakers will need to consider how to adapt their strategies in light of these potential funding shifts and the evolving understanding of what constitutes effective homelessness intervention. This may involve exploring integrated approaches that combine housing with comprehensive support services, tailored to the specific needs of different subpopulations experiencing homelessness.

The regional variations also suggest that a one-size-fits-all policy may not be effective. Local context, including housing market dynamics, employment opportunities, and the availability of social services, plays a crucial role in the prevalence and persistence of homelessness. Future strategies will likely need to be more localized and responsive to these unique conditions.

Future Outlook and Data Needs

The 2025 point-in-time count, while providing valuable data, represents a snapshot of homelessness on a single night. A more comprehensive understanding requires ongoing data collection and analysis, examining not only the numbers but also the underlying causes and the effectiveness of various interventions. The debate surrounding “housing first” underscores the need for rigorous research and evaluation of different program models.

As HUD navigates potential budget reductions, the focus may shift towards demonstrating the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of homelessness programs. This could lead to greater emphasis on data-driven decision-making and the adoption of evidence-based practices. For urban areas across the US, this period calls for a critical assessment of current approaches and a proactive engagement with federal and local policy developments to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive the support they need.

Source: Planetizen News (https://www.planetizen.com/news/2026/06/137708-hud-us-homelessness-grew-27-2013)