After steady decreases from 2010 to 2016, homelessness in the United States increased even prior to COVID-19. According to HUD’s 2020 Annual Homeless Assessment Report Part 1 to Congress, more than 580,000 people experienced homelessness in the U.S. on a single night in 2020.

The pandemic created additional urgency to address the crisis, given the heightened risks faced by people experiencing homelessness. At the same time, COVID-19 slowed re-housing activities due to capacity issues and impacts on rental market vacancies.

House America recognizes that it will take government working at all levels and local collaboration to address this crisis.