United Way Study Reveals Record Homelessness Amid Millions of Vacant Homes in U.S.
A new study by United Way of the National Capital Area highlights that homelessness has reached record levels across the United States, despite a significant number of vacant homes. The report finds there are approximately 18 vacant homes for every person experiencing homelessness nationwide. Dr. Nicole Cooper emphasized this is not due to housing shortages but rather an issue with access and affordability. The study reveals over 14 million vacant housing units in the U.S., while homelessness increased by more than 118,000 people from 2023 to reach a total of 771,480 individuals. Permanent beds for those experiencing chronic homelessness dropped by 10.1% during this period. The report also notes that nearly 150,000 children experienced homelessness in 2024—a 33% increase from the previous year. The data is based on HUD and U.S. Census Bureau sources to analyze vacancy rates versus homelessness across major metropolitan areas. Cities like Houston, Charleston, Memphis, Jackson, and Pittsburgh have some of the highest ratios of vacant homes per unhoused person.
Topics: homelessness United Way of the National Capital Area vacant housing units