Global Homelessness Study 2025

Executive Summary

This study provides an overview of homelessness trends and statistics globally, with a focus on the United States, United Kingdom, and other regions where data is available. The findings indicate a concerning rise in homelessness rates across many developed nations, exacerbated by factors such as the ongoing housing crisis, economic instability, and the lingering effects of global events.

1. United States

1.1 Overall Trends

• The total homeless population in the US rose significantly, with an 18% increase from 2023 to 2024.
• As of January 2024, approximately 771,480 people (23 out of every 10,000 Americans) experienced homelessness.
• This marks a reversal of the general downward trend observed from 2007 to 2022.

1.2 Demographic Breakdown

• 31.6% (over 240,000) of the homeless population identified as Black, African American, or African.
• Hispanic-identified people comprised 31% of the homeless population.
• Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders had the highest rate of homelessness at 126.5 per 10,000 people.
• Gender distribution: 59.6% cisgender men, 39.2% cisgender women, and 1.2% transgender, nonbinary, or questioning.

1.3 Veteran Homelessness

• The homeless veteran population has been declining, from 73,367 in 2009 to 32,882 in 2024.

1.4 Temporary Accommodation

• A record-high 123,100 households were living in temporary accommodation in June 2024, a 16.3% increase from the previous year.
• 78,420 households with children were in temporary accommodation, a 15.1% annual increase.
• The total number of children in temporary accommodation reached 159,830.

2. United Kingdom

2.1 England

• 358,370 households contacted local authorities for support after being threatened with homelessness or losing their home in 2023-24, a 10% increase from the previous year.
• 324,990 households were assessed as homeless.
• Shelter analysis found 354,000 people experiencing homelessness in England in 2024, including 161,500 children.
• 4,667 people were recorded as sleeping rough in autumn 2024, a 20% increase in just one year.

2.2 Scotland

• 40,685 homelessness applications were made to local authorities in 2023-24, a 4% increase and the highest point since 2011-12.
• 33,619 households were assessed as homeless or threatened with losing their home.
• 16,634 households were living in temporary accommodation as of September 2024.
• 10,360 children were in temporary accommodation, up from 9,855 a year earlier.

3. Key Factors Contributing to Homelessness

1. Housing Crisis: Lack of affordable housing and rising rent prices in many urban areas.
2. Economic Instability: Job losses, wage stagnation, and economic downturns.
3. Mental Health Issues: Inadequate support for individuals with mental health challenges.
4. Substance Abuse: Addiction and lack of accessible treatment programs.
5. Domestic Violence: Individuals fleeing abusive situations often face homelessness.
6. Systemic Inequalities: Racial and ethnic disparities in housing and economic opportunities.

4. Challenges in Addressing Homelessness

4.1 Data Collection

• Counting methods vary between regions and countries, making global comparisons difficult.
• Point-in-time counts may underestimate the true extent of homelessness.
• Rural homelessness is particularly challenging to accurately measure.

4.2 Policy and Resource Allocation

• Insufficient funding for affordable housing initiatives.
• Lack of comprehensive, long-term strategies to address root causes.
• Inadequate support for prevention programs and early intervention.

5. Recommendations

1. Increase investment in affordable housing construction and preservation.
2. Implement stronger tenant protections and rent control measures.
3. Expand mental health and substance abuse treatment programs.
4. Develop targeted interventions for high-risk groups (e.g., youth, veterans, domestic violence survivors).
5. Improve data collection methods to better inform policy decisions.
6. Foster collaboration between government agencies, non-profits, and the private sector.
7. Prioritize prevention strategies to address homelessness before it occurs.

Conclusion

The global homelessness crisis continues to worsen, with significant increases observed in many developed nations. Addressing this complex issue requires a multifaceted approach that combines immediate relief efforts with long-term strategies to tackle root causes. Policymakers, community organizations, and society at large must work together to ensure that everyone has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing.