HUD Details Plans to Fight Homelessness

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development made three major announcements on Monday Dec. 19 aimed at fighting homelessness.

All In: The Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness, which was developed by the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, was released with a goal of reducing homelessness by 25% by 2025.

The 2022 Annual Homeless Assessment Report, Part One, was released to Congress.

And the White House detailed an initiative to help unsheltered homeless people who are sleeping in cars, camping in tents, and otherwise effectively living on the streets.

The announcements represent a concerted effort by the President Joe Biden and Kamala Harris administration.

“HUD and everyone in the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to ensuring every person has a safe, stable place to call home.,” said U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia L. Fudge.“The Biden-Harris Administration is working to significantly reduce homelessness across the country and combat the racial and ethnic disparities resulting from systemic racism.”

According to the 2022 Annual Homeless Assessment Report, Part One, Black people are disproportionately affected.

Although people who identify as Black, or African American, make up only 12% of the total U.S. population, the ethnic group comprised 37% of all people experiencing homelessness. The number of people who identify as Hispanic, or Latino, increased by eight percent from 2022.

“Data shows that homelessness remains a national crisis, but it also shows that the historic investments this administration has made to address this issue, can work,” Fudge said.

All In is built on three foundation pillars and three solution pillars.

In terms of foundation, the approach is to lead with equity, use data and evidence to make decisions and collaborate at all levels of government while sharing information with both public and private organizations, the report said.

In terms of solutions, the approach is to scale housing and supports that meet demand, improve the effectiveness of homelessness response systems and work diligently to prevent homelessness, the report said.

“My plan offers a road map for not only getting people into housing but also ensuring that they have access to the support, services and income that allow them to thrive,” Biden said in a prepared statement. “It is a plan that is grounded in the best evidence and aims to improve equity and strengthen collaboration at all levels.”