In 2024, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reported a record 770,000 homeless individuals, marking an 18% increase from 2023. Contributing factors include a lack of affordable housing, inflation, a surge in migrants, and the conclusion of pandemic-era assistance. The report indicates that Black and African American populations are disproportionately affected, comprising 32% of the homeless demographic, despite representing only 12% of the overall population. The data reflects conditions from January 2023 and may not accurately represent current circumstances due to changing policies.