Surge in Homeless Deaths Raises Alarms Amidst Sharp Increase in US Homelessness
A recent wave of deadly attacks on homeless individuals coincides with a 12% spike in US homelessness, as reported by officials. The annual survey conducted by the Department of Housing and Urban Development revealed the highest number of homeless people since tracking began in 2007, with 653,104 individuals experiencing homelessness.
The disturbing trend includes a suspected serial killer in Los Angeles and a man facing manslaughter charges for shooting a sleeping homeless person.
Advocates and officials highlight the dangers faced by the homeless, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this life-and-death issue.
Factors such as a stigmatizing political climate, inadequate housing, and violence contribute to the perilous conditions for vulnerable individuals. The recent incidents shed light on the often unnoticed and regular nature of attacks on the homeless.
The violence is not isolated, with advocates stressing that such incidents happen daily but often go unnoticed. Recent high-profile cases, including a shooting in Las Vegas and the death of Jordan Neely in New York, have sparked increased dialogue and protests.
The statistics reveal a troubling reality, with nearly a quarter of homicide victims in Los Angeles being homeless, despite comprising only 1.2% of the city’s population. Tracking accurate numbers is challenging, but advocates believe the actual figures are higher than reported.
Officials attribute the rise in homelessness to factors like the expiration of pandemic-era housing subsidies, rising rents, and low rental inventory. The Biden administration has proposed additional funding, and states like California are investing billions in addressing the crisis.
Despite available mental health, rehabilitation, and shelter services, many homeless individuals remain unaware of them. The call for greater awareness and dialogue aims to promote safety for the unhoused population, encouraging the public to report abuse or assault to relevant authorities. (Source: BBC)
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-67666887