Nationwide homelessness rates have surged 11% in what marks the largest increase since government data tracking began, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
Despite massive expenditures on federal, state, and local levels, and a boom in affordable housing construction, evictions and rising housing costs remain predominant contributors. King County, Washington, for instance, received nearly $1 billion in federal funding for housing and homelessness initiatives since 2019, yet witnessed a 14% increase in homelessness within the past year. Dr. Zach Wood of Seattle University noted the myriad factors contributing to the issue, from mental health and drug abuse to criminal justice history and systemic challenges.
The scenario varies by region. New York and Boston grapple with incoming immigrants seeking homes, while Arizona feels the pinch from a scarcity of affordable housing.
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