Homelessness in the U.S. continues to decline, specifically among families with children, veterans and individuals with long-term disabling conditions, according to the latest national estimate by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), recently released in HUD’s 2016 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress. The ongoing decline has been attributed to the Obama Administration’s Opening Doors program, initiated in 2010.
 
“Every person deserves a safe, stable place to call home,” said HUD Secretary Julián Castro in a statement. “The Obama Administration has made unprecedented progress toward ending homelessness and [this] marks the seventh straight year of measureable progress. While we know that our work is far from finished, it’s clear we’re on the right track to prevent and end homelessness for good.”
 
HUD estimates the nation experienced a 23 percent reduction among homeless families, a 47 percent drop in veteran homelessness, and a 27 percent decline in individuals experiencing chronic homelessness.  This national estimate is based upon data reported by approximately 3,000 cities and counties across the nation.
 
“While our continued progress reinforces that we are on the right path, the data also makes clear that we must increase the pace of that progress,” said Matthew Doherty, executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. “To do so, we must be unwavering in our commitment to strategies and investments that are working. Our communities and our citizens deserve nothing less.”
 
Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

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