What is the total homeless population in the United States?
Critical Analysis
Find answers to the following questions using the visual above, your big brain, the information provided and any links below:
What was the approximate total homeless population in the U.S. in 2022?
Describe the overall trend in homelessness in the United states between 2005 and the present.
Why do you think homelessness is expanding in the U.S., one of the richest countries in the world?
From March 2020 through the fall of 2021, states and cities, and eventually the Centers for Disease Control issued broad bans on eviction that allowed renters who had lost income due to the pandemic to remain in their homes. How do you think this impacted the data from the visual above?
What state (as shown in the visual below*) has the highest rate of homeless population in the United States?
The U.S. Bill of Rights guarantees free speech, religion, press, etc. What if the Bill of Rights guaranteed free housing? Imagine the Bill of Rights guaranteed shelter. How would that change the numbers above?
Data released today by Advocates for Children of New York (AFC) show that more than 154,000 New York City public school students—nearly one in every seven—experienced homelessness during the 2024–25 school year. How does the population of America’s eighth largest city, Atlanta Georgia (520,070). ompare to the size of the American homeless population?
On July 24, 2025 the Trump administration issued Executive Order 14321, titled “Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets,” outlining sweeping changes in federal homelessness policy. The order marks a sharp break from two decades of federal consensus around the Housing First model, which prioritizes permanent housing and voluntary services. President Trump’s Executive Order will require federal agencies HUD (Housing and Urban Development) and HHS (Health and Human Services) to revise regulations, grant requirements, and guidance to end support for Housing First policies. In sum, it will limit federal funds for combating homelessness.
Residency and Mailing Address Requirements for voter registration make it difficult for homeless people to vote. In fact, on average, less than 1 out of 10 homeless people vote in American elections. Imagine if all 600,000 homeless people voted. Based on your knowledge of American politics, and the lyrics to Taylor Swift’s "Cardigan," from her 2020’s album, Folklore, explain how a huge homeless voter turnout might change American policy outcomes.
In New York City, 100,000 people sleep in shelters every night. Patrick Markee has spent decades fighting for them with the Coalition for the Homeless. His book called ‘Placeless: Homelessness in the New Gilded Age.’ asks, what if homelessness isn't a personal failing, but the result of policy choices? Describe the situation of homelessness in your community.
Write and Discuss
Take ten minutes to write about the question at the top of the page and then discuss with your classmates.
Act on your Learning
Read about these American efforts to help the homeless vote and then work locally to get involved in increasing voting accessibility and promoting democracy.
Get Creative
Data released today by Advocates for Children of New York (AFC) show that more than 154,000 New York City public school students—nearly one in every seven—experienced homelessness during the 2024–25 school year.Oct 20, 2025. Imagine you were homeless. Make a list of 10 things you would have to give up if you became homeless.
Learning Extension
Read this Conversation story - As few as 1 in 10 homeless people vote in elections – here’s why - about the barriers to homeless voting.
