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What we can learn from U.S. cities where homelessness is trending downward

Towns making progress, an overwhelmed system, affordable housing — here’s what to expect ahead of new federal data on homelessness.
"What the data tells us over and over again is that homelessness rates are driven primarily by the housing market," said Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

HUD announces $5 billion in grants to fight homelessness

Apr 9, 2021
The money can be used for tenant-based rental assistance and property development to create more affordable housing.
Protestors demonstrate against the removal of an encampment in Los Angeles, CA during the spring of 2021. Mario Tama/Getty Images
Mario Tama/Getty Images

How many people have been homeless during the pandemic?

Mar 17, 2021
One measure of homelessness is the annual "point-in-time count." Critics say it falls short of identifying the problem's severity.
Michelle Massie (left) and Haleigh Skaggs (right) walk along a riverside path looking for people experiencing homelessness in Huntington, W.Va., Jan. 27, 2021.
Courtesy of Kyle Vass

LGBTQ people now protected under the Fair Housing Act

Feb 15, 2021
HUD will begin enforcing the Fair Housing Act in cases of discrimination against LGBTQ people.
Anyone who believes they have been discriminated against because of their gender identity or sexual orientation can now file a complaint with HUD.
Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

HUD voucher program funding has helped veterans at risk of homelessness

Dec 11, 2020
Experts say the "housing first" model is an example of how to deal with housing insecurity for all Americans.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development announced this week it is giving out $46 million more in rental assistance and housing vouchers to help veterans at risk of homelessness.
Kyle Grillot/AFP via Getty Images
Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Trump administration moves to weaken fair housing rule

Oct 17, 2019
Some say the changes will make it harder for women and minorities to challenge housing discrimination.
Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Trump administration proposes new housing discrimination standard

Aug 19, 2019
The proposed rule would require plaintiffs to show that a policy is not only discriminatory but also arbitrary.
A house for sale in San Rafael, California.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

HUD secretary expected to push for cuts to low-income housing benefits, programs

Apr 3, 2019
President Trump’s proposed budget would introduce work requirements for housing subsidies and reduce funding for rental assistance.
Presidential candidates Donald Trump and Ben Carson participate in the CNBC Republican presidential debate on Wednesday in Boulder, Colorado.
ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images

For Americans who rely on public housing, HUD proposals strike fear

Aug 10, 2018
In Erie, Pennsylvania, where more than a quarter of residents live in poverty, many are in "chronic crisis mode," one social worker says.
The Poor People’s Campaign March makes its way through downtown Erie. Marchers advocated for increased affordable housing in Erie, better-paying jobs and more accountability from elected officials.
Erika Beras/Marketplace