NUNZIUM

In the icy grip of January 2023, a staggering 650,000 people across America found themselves without a place to call home, the highest recorded figure since 2007. This alarming statistic underscores a burgeoning crisis of homelessness, once a societal issue relegated to the shadows, now thrust into the limelight due to the culmination of pandemic aid programs and escalating living costs.

The federal government had introduced a slew of support measures following the COVID-19 pandemic, such as an eviction moratorium and an expanded Child Tax Credit, to soften the economic impact. However, as these initiatives concluded, the nation witnessed a surge in first-time homelessness. From 2021 to 2022, the number of newly homeless people rose by an alarming 25%. This increase was particularly detrimental for low-income households, with almost 90% of those earning less than $15,000 a year spending over a third of their income on housing in 2021.

Homelessness in America is a complex issue impacting a diverse demographic, including individuals, veterans, and families, with increases of 11%, 7.4%, and 15.5% respectively. Of particular concern is the disproportionate representation of Black people, who, despite constituting only 13% of the U.S. population, accounted for 37% of those experiencing homelessness. Furthermore, over a quarter of adults without homes were over the age of 54, underscoring the extensive reach of this crisis.

This crisis, however, is not exclusive to America. Europe, too, grapples with a similar predicament. In 2022, homelessness affected 895,000 individuals, with notable increases in countries like Germany and Spain, and affluent cities such as Barcelona. In Paris, a shocking 69% of the 2,598 homeless individuals had been living on the streets for over a year. The issue has been further aggravated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, leading to soaring energy prices and rampant inflation, disproportionately impacting the poorest households.

Despite being among the richest in the world, most European countries struggle to effectively address homelessness. The European Platform on Combating Homelessness, established by the European Union in June 2021, aspires to eliminate homelessness by 2030. Yet, only Finland, Denmark, and Austria, three out of the 27 EU member states, have made significant strides in combating homelessness through the "Housing First" strategy.

The situation is grave but not insurmountable. Governments and organizations are rallying to provide solutions. The European Platform on Combating Homelessness plans to initiate activities across Europe next year to enhance research quality, including a pilot project to count homeless people using a standardized methodology. In the U.S., Secretary Marcia L. Fudge has underscored the importance of support for solutions and strategies to help people exit homelessness and prevent it from occurring initially.

In conclusion, the escalating crisis of homelessness in America and Europe is a pressing concern that requires immediate and decisive action. It serves as a stark reminder of the persistent economic disparities in our societies and the urgent need for comprehensive solutions. As we navigate this crisis, it is vital that we not only recognize its magnitude but also act decisively to ensure that everyone has a secure place to call home.