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Record-high rates of homelessness have been reported across the United States since 2019. In this period alone, the number of people who checked into emergency shelters increased by more than a quarter, while over 50% of homeless individuals are living unsheltered, meaning they are living on the streets. This statistic comes into play as the cost of housing continues to increase. Across the US, nearly 15% of the population spend 50% or more of their income on rent alone. Chronically vulnerable populations, such as veterans, are also experiencing an uptick as the trend to cut public benefits has worsened. But there are some states that offer more support than others.
Are you experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness, or know someone who is? Click through the gallery to see where support can be accessed.
According to data from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, more than 650,000 people are currently homeless in the United States.
The homeless struggle to fulfill their basic necessities, such as access to healthcare, stable housing, or employment.
For many people, to become homeless is a vicious cycle, as about one-third of all homeless people become ‘chronically’ homeless, meaning, they are unable to escape the state of homelessness.
Additionally, it is reported that among the unhoused population, there are high rates of chronic mental illness, which is another contributing factor.
Each state in the US has specific programs to target homelessness as a social issue. But, as with all issues, some states are dealing with it more effectively than others.
SmileHub, a nonprofit company, used 20 metrics to compare the policies implemented across the United States.
SmileHub then used this data to compile a list that illustrates which states offer their homeless population the greatest access to effective help.
The comparison takes into account access to shelters and housing support, support specifically targeting youth, and food and health programs for the homeless.
Each state is ranked on a 100-point scale (100 representing the highest homeless support) and then subsequently averaged. Does your state make the list?
The state of New Jersey ranks 20th on the list. Although New Jersey scores 49.80 as its total weighted score, it ranks fourth in the country when it comes to access to shelter and housing support.
The state ranked 19th best for homeless support is West Virginia, with a total weighted score of 50.07. West Virginia ranks 13th in the country for best food support and medical assistance for its homeless population.
Utah ranks 18th on the list with a total weighted score of 50.08, just .01 more than West Virginia. Utah ranks 13th in the country in terms of policies targeting homeless youth, and it ranks 10th for food and medical assistance.
Next we have Virginia, which ranks 17th on the list, with a total weighted score of 50.11. The state ranks eighth in the country in terms of access to shelter and housing support and 19th in terms of food and medical assistance.
Colorado makes it on the list in 16th place with a total weighted score of 51.39. The state ranks fifth in the country for access to food and medical assistance for its homeless population.
Missouri is the 15th best state in terms of effective homeless policies, with a total weighted score of 51.83. The state ranks 15th in terms of its policies geared toward homeless youth, and eighth in terms of food and medical assistance support.
Next on the list is Oregon, ranking 14th with a total weighted score of 51.98. Oregon ranks second on the list of most effective policies that target homeless youth.
In 13th place is Ohio. Ohio holds a weighted score of 52.87, ranking second in the country in terms of food and medical assistance programs.
In 12th place is the state of Kentucky, with a total weighted score of 53.31. Kentucky ranks ninth in the country in terms of its policies targeting homeless youth. It also ranks 12th in the country in terms of its food and medical assistance programs.
Ranking 11th on the list is the state of Pennsylvania, holding a total weighted score of 53.82. Pennsylvania ranks 19th in terms of its youth-centered policies, and sixth for its food and medical assistance programs.
Ranked 10th on the list is Montana, with a total weighted score of 54.31. The state ranks third in the country in terms of its policies targeting homeless youth and 15th in terms of food and medical assistance programs.
In ninth place is the state of Wyoming, with a total weighted score of 54.46. Wyoming ranks 12th in the country in terms of access to shelter and housing support. It also ranks seventh in terms of policies geared towards homeless youth.
Minnesota ranks eighth on the list with a total weighted score of 54.53. Minnesota has the third-best food and medical assistance programs for homeless people across the US.
Massachusetts is the seventh-best state in terms of its policies targeting homelessness, with a total weighted score of 55.12. The state ranks seventh in the nation in terms of access to shelter and housing support. It also ranks 11th for its food and medical assistance programs.
Ranking sixth is Indiana, with a total weighted score of 55.64. Indiana ranks sixth in the country in terms of its policies targeting homeless youth.
In fifth place is New York, with a total weighted score of 56.69. New York ranks fifth in the country in terms of access to shelter and housing support.
The state of Maryland ranks fourth on the list with a total weighted score of 59.29. Maryland ranks sixth in the state for its access to shelter and housing support, and ninth for its food and medical assistance programs.
We’re down to the top three states with the best homeless policies in the nation. In third place is North Dakota with a total weighted score of 61.51. The state ranks first in the country in terms of its food and medical assistance programs and third in terms of access to shelter and housing support.
The state with the second-best policies in the nation is Illinois. Illinois ranks second in the nation in terms of access to shelter and housing support.
The state with the best support for its homeless population in Connecticut. Connecticut holds a total weighted score of 68.20. The state ranks first in terms of access to shelter and housing support. It also ranks fourth in terms of its food and medical assistance programs.
Sources: (SmileHub) (KTVU) (National Homeless Information Project) (Britannica)
See also: Stars who were once homeless
US states that offer the most support to the homeless
As the cost of housing continues to increase, so do homelessness rates
LIFESTYLE Unhoused
Record-high rates of homelessness have been reported across the United States since 2019. In this period alone, the number of people who checked into emergency shelters increased by more than a quarter, while over 50% of homeless individuals are living unsheltered, meaning they are living on the streets. This statistic comes into play as the cost of housing continues to increase. Across the US, nearly 15% of the population spend 50% or more of their income on rent alone. Chronically vulnerable populations, such as veterans, are also experiencing an uptick as the trend of cutting public benefits has worsened. But there are some states that offer more support than others.
Are you experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness, or know someone who is? Click through the gallery to see where support can be accessed.