In a recent analysis, Eugene, Oregon emerged as the city with the highest homeless population per capita in the United States. With approximately 432 homeless individuals per 100,000 residents, Eugene has a significant challenge in addressing homelessness within its community.
The data shows that 44% of the 2,690 homeless adults aged 25-64 in Eugene were experiencing chronic homelessness as of January 2022. Additionally, a striking 73% of homeless individuals in the area live unsheltered, which is one of the highest rates in the country.
Eugene ranks second in terms of the total number of people experiencing homelessness (2,880) among largely urban areas outside of major cities in the United States.
The rise in homelessness is a nationwide issue, with approximately 649,535 people experiencing homelessness in the US, marking a 12.42% increase from 2022 and a 15.54% increase from 2019. The states with the largest homeless populations are California, New York, and Florida, with California leading the count with around 181,399 homeless individuals.
Factors contributing to homelessness include the high cost of living, particularly in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, where the median home values are $715,900 and $715,900, respectively. This makes it challenging for low-income individuals to afford housing, pushing many families into homelessness.
Efforts to address homelessness include initiatives by real estate investment trusts (REITs) like AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (NYSE:AVB) and Vornado Realty Trust (NYSE:VNO). AvalonBay has been supporting homeless individuals and communities through partnerships and philanthropic efforts, while Vornado Realty Trust has contributed to community development projects, including affordable housing units.
While Eugene grapples with the challenges of homelessness, it serves as a reminder of the broader issue facing many cities across the US. Addressing homelessness requires a multifaceted approach, including affordable housing solutions, support services, and community initiatives aimed at preventing homelessness and supporting those in need.
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