American homelessness is on the rise, what about in Alabama?

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Over 2024, the homeless population in the United States grew by over 18 percent, the highest annual increase in American homelessness since the federal government began an annual count of the homeless population in 2007. According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), high housing costs, natural disasters, and increased migration to big cities were key factors behind this increase in homelessness.

With national homelessness on an unprecedented rise, what is the state of homelessness in Alabama?

Alabama’s rate of homelessness is actually relatively low, standing as one of only 13 states with less than 10 homeless individuals per 10,000 residents. However, the state did experience a significant uptick in total homelessness this year. According to HUD data, Alabama’s total homeless population grew by over 39 percent between 2023 and 2024, with 4,601 individuals recorded as being homeless in the state. Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, and West Virginia were the only other states to experience increases of over 25 percent.

The rate of homelessness in Alabama also grew over the past year, even when accounting for population growth in the state: 0.09 percent of Alabamians are homeless as of 2024, up from 0.06 percent in 2023. Still, as mentioned, this is a relatively low occurence of homelessness when compared to other states.

One factor that contributes to Alabama’s comparatively low homelessness rate is the state’s low median home price. As of 2024, the average home in Alabama cost $284,900 — a far cry from New York ($819,900) and California ($785,900), the two states with the highest median home prices and the highest rates of homelessness in the country. Affordability of housing is unsurprisingly one of the leading contributors to rates of homelessness.

However, other factors also matter when considering how to address homelessness. Access to quality education and healthcare are also essential resources that can help reduce homelessness.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “Individuals with lower educational attainment are at greater risk of unemployment and poverty compared to their more educated counterparts” leading to increased risk of homelessness due to lack of income. Additionally, youth without a high school diploma or GED have a 346 percent higher risk of experiencing homelessness when compared to those who have at least graduated high school.

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SAMHSA also reports that “barriers that prevent individuals who are experiencing homelessness from accessing health care may contribute to the increase in individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and can lead to increased risks of adverse health outcomes.”

Therefore, chronic homelessness can be better curtailed with better access to quality healthcare and reduced stigma among providers. SAMHSA also touts the effectiveness of educating youth on mental health: “A 2020 study found that K-12 students who participated in school-based mental health treatment were over 15 times more likely to attain improved mental health status. Increasing high school graduation rates for students and prioritizing the need for school-based mental health services are critical to preventing homelessness and improving mental health.”

It is also important that communities in Alabama and across the U.S. work to reduce the general stigma associated with homelessness. Despite homeless individuals often being characterized as lazy, dangerous, and solely responsible for their poor socioeconomic conditions, research shows that many unhoused individuals are simply victims of societal shortcomings. Victims of domestic violence and LGBTQ+ youth are disproportionately impacted by homelessness. LGBTQ+ youth in particular are at risk for homelessness due to discrimination which can lead to mental and substance use disorders.

As homelessness continues to increase at a startling pace across the country, and even in Alabama, legislators may consider implementing improved social services aimed at increasing access to quality education, healthcare, and affordable housing. Additionally, it is important to consider the unintended impact which policies related to LGBTQ+ visibility can have on homelessness in the state, as queer people across Alabam continue to be marginalized — whether through anti-DEI legislation, library book bans, or backlash against displays of Pride.

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American homelessness is on the rise, what about in Alabama?

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