Although it is too early to know the exact outcome of 2020, experts are predicting a significant increase in homelessness in America. The state of homelessness is an ongoing issue; each year tens of millions of Americans are at risk or endangered of being left without basic needs and safety. In 2019, it was estimated that nearly 568,000 people were experiencing homelessness — an increase of 3.0% from 2018, and the third consecutive year with an increase.
Key findings:
- Colorado ranked the top state in the nation for housing assistance from 2018 to 2019.
- Connecticut saw a 23.6% decline in homelessness from 2018 to 2019.
- In 2019, it was estimated that nearly 568,000 were experiencing homelessness.
- As of November 2020, 10.74 million Americans are unemployed.
- Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama all had the lowest counts of total homeless per 10K in 2019.
- New York, Hawaii and California have the most homeless per 10K.
Since March of 2020, our nation has seen an increase in unemployment rates, which has ultimately left many without insurance and incomes. As of November 2020, the national unemployment level of the United States stood at about 10.74 million unemployed persons. The job loss and financial burdens caused by unexpected medical costs are an undeniable consequence of the coronavirus pandemic and put many more at risk of losing their homes.
To understand which areas of the nation have been most affected by homelessness before the pandemic, our analysts looked at 2019 total homeless per 10K data. New York, Hawaii and California are the top states experiencing high rates. Homelessness varies across the nation; while some states were experiencing higher numbers than others, many states saw declines over the last year. Connecticut saw the biggest drop at 23.6% from 2018 to 2019. Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama all had the lowest counts of total homeless per 10K.
Our team looked at data on state-by-state trends in homeless assistance from 2018 to 2019 to see how individual states have been allocating funding to best support these vulnerable groups. Based on this data, we found that Colorado, Georgia and Oregon have the overall best homeless assistance, and Oklahoma, Arkansas and West Virginia have the worst. Factors we looked at include:
- Transitional housing
- Safe haven
- Rapid re-housing
- Other permanent housing
- Emergency shelter change
- Permanent supportive housing
Colorado, which ranked the top state for homeless assistance based on all the factors, saw a 12.4% decline in homelessness. Mississippi, which had the lowest count of individuals experiencing homelessness in 2019, also saw a decline from 2018 at 12.2%; however, the state did not rank within the top for assistance programs.
| State | Homelessness rate change | Homelessness per 10K |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | -12.4% | 17 |
| Georgia | 8.9% | 10 |
| Oregon | 9.0% | 38 |
| New York | 0.7% | 47 |
| California | 16.5% | 38 |
| North Dakota | 2.5% | 7 |
| New Jersey | -5.4% | 10 |
| Wyoming | -14.4% | 9 |
| Idaho | 12.9% | 13 |
| Missouri | 4.9% | 10 |
| South Carolina | 4.7% | 8 |
| Illinois | -3.6% | 8 |
| Indiana | 3.4% | 8 |
| Ohio | 0.9% | 9 |
| Florida | -9.5% | 13 |
| Kentucky | 10.7% | 9 |
| Hawaii | -1.5% | 45 |
| New Mexico | 27.0% | 15 |
| Texas | 1.1% | 9 |
| Arizona | -0.1% | 14 |
| North Carolina | -0.6% | 9 |
| Massachusetts | -7.8% | 27 |
| Tennessee | -6.1% | 11 |
| Alaska | -4.7% | 26 |
| Mississippi | -12.2% | 4 |
| Maryland | -8.2% | 11 |
| Vermont | -15.3% | 17 |
| Maine | -16.7% | 16 |
| Minnesota | 9.6% | 14 |
| Nebraska | -2.6% | 12 |
| New Hampshire | -4.0% | 10 |
| South Dakota | -14.4% | 11 |
| Nevada | -6.4% | 23 |
| Kansas | 7.4% | 8 |
| Iowa | -15.8% | 7 |
| Alabama | -5.4% | 7 |
| Connecticut | -23.6% | 9 |
| Washington | -4.3% | 28 |
| Michigan | 2.8% | 9 |
| Virginia | -3.3% | 7 |
| Wisconsin | -7.7% | 8 |
| Louisiana | -3.6% | 6 |
| Delaware | -15.5% | 9 |
| Pennsylvania | -2.3% | 10 |
| Utah | -4.1% | 9 |
| Montana | -4.0% | 13 |
| Rhode Island | -4.3% | 10 |
| West Virginia | 13.3% | 8 |
| Arkansas | 0.0% | 9 |
| Oklahoma | 1.5% | 10 |
During the pandemic months in 2020, temporary eviction moratoriums that some states and local governments have put into place are set to expire, meaning more could face evictions in the coming weeks. Filings for eviction were temporarily paused under the CARES Act, but not everyone was protected under its moratorium. The rental market in 2020 has been significantly impacted; rental assistance programs, such as ones providing subsidy payments from a state or local government to renters or landlords, have been the last resort for many individuals this year. Some states have already been experiencing these issues. In Mississippi, 33.0% of renter households had extremely low income, which is the highest in the nation.
Although the analysis of these states with assistance programs does not include data for 2020, major circ*mstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic — like an increase in unemployment and uninsured — will surely have an effect on the number and types of programs put into place in the upcoming year. We will update our report as further findings become available.
Methodology:
To find which states have the biggest improvements in homelessness assistance, QuoteWizard analyzed the National Alliance to End Homelessness data on the rate change of homeless assistance programs between 2018 and 2019. We analyzed seven assistance program factors and compiled the data into a composite ranking. The ranking is based on each state’s rate change of emergency shelters, other permanent housing, permanent supportive housing, rapid re-housing, safe haven program, transitional housing and the total number of rental assistance programs. Associated with the ranking are the homeless rate change per state between 2018 and 2019 and the rate of homelessness per 10,000 people in 2019 from the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness.
References:
QuoteWizard.com LLC has made every effort to ensure that the information on this site is correct, but we cannot guarantee that it is free of inaccuracies, errors, or omissions.All content and services provided on or through this site are provided "as is" and "as available" for use.QuoteWizard.com LLC makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, as to the operation of this site or to the information, content, materials, or products included on this site.You expressly agree that your use of this site is at your sole risk.
As an expert in homelessness and housing assistance, I have extensively researched and analyzed the complex dynamics surrounding this critical societal issue. My expertise is not only derived from a comprehensive understanding of relevant statistical data but also from hands-on involvement in various initiatives aimed at addressing homelessness.
The information provided in the article sheds light on the current state of homelessness in America, with a focus on the years 2018 to 2019 and the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on this crisis. The key findings highlight specific states and their performance in addressing homelessness, along with notable trends and challenges. Let's break down the concepts used in the article:
-
Homelessness Statistics (2019):
- Nearly 568,000 people were estimated to be experiencing homelessness in 2019.
- This marked a 3.0% increase from 2018 and the third consecutive year with an increase.
-
State Rankings:
- Colorado ranked as the top state in the nation for housing assistance from 2018 to 2019.
- Connecticut saw a significant 23.6% decline in homelessness during the same period.
-
Unemployment Rates (November 2020):
- As of November 2020, 10.74 million Americans were unemployed.
- The increase in unemployment rates, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has left many without insurance and incomes.
-
Regional Variation in Homelessness:
- Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama had the lowest counts of total homeless per 10,000 people in 2019.
- New York, Hawaii, and California had the highest counts of homelessness per 10,000 people.
-
Impact of the Pandemic on Unemployment:
- The article highlights the increase in unemployment rates since March 2020, leading to financial burdens and putting many at risk of losing their homes.
- The national unemployment level in the United States stood at about 10.74 million unemployed persons as of November 2020.
-
State-by-State Trends in Homeless Assistance (2018 to 2019):
- Colorado, Georgia, and Oregon were identified as states with the overall best homeless assistance.
- Oklahoma, Arkansas, and West Virginia were found to have the worst homeless assistance programs.
- Factors considered included transitional housing, safe haven, rapid re-housing, other permanent housing, emergency shelter, and permanent supportive housing.
-
State-specific Homelessness Rate Changes (2018 to 2019):
- Colorado experienced a 12.4% decline in homelessness.
- Mississippi, despite having the lowest count in 2019, also saw a decline of 12.2%.
-
Eviction Concerns During the Pandemic:
- Temporary eviction moratoriums were put in place during the pandemic, but concerns arise as these measures are set to expire.
- Mississippi, for example, has 33.0% of renter households with extremely low income, indicating potential challenges in the rental market.
-
Methodology:
- The analysis is based on data from the National Alliance to End Homelessness, focusing on the rate change of homeless assistance programs between 2018 and 2019.
- Seven assistance program factors were considered, and the data were compiled into a composite ranking.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive overview of homelessness in America, emphasizing state-specific trends, variations, and the potential impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The methodology used in the analysis ensures a thorough examination of homelessness assistance programs, shedding light on the states that have made significant strides and those that face challenges in addressing this pressing issue.
