Amid a surge in homeless people gathering at night on the Newton Green, local and county officials are discussing potential solutions.
Among the first steps likely to be taken are surveys of just who is congregating on the Green and what social services are available to them, according to Newton Town Manager Thomas Russo, who organized an Aug. 27 meeting on the issue.
While the issue is complex in an area with ‘urban versus suburban versus rural concerns,” Russo said, the group hopes “to be a model for the state,” in helping the homeless population.
“The skills and desires are there,” he said in an interview, calling the initial meeting encouraging.
The gathering of about 20 people included representatives from state and Sussex County government as well as social service agencies. Among the topics discussed was a program adopted by the city of Newark, which has faced similar issues.
“It was a good staring point for me and our future endeavors as we face this issue,” Russo said of the nearly two-hour-long, private session. “It is an issue in Newton, but it’s not ‘Newton only.’ Each person who shows up on the Green is an individual story with individual needs.”
As the seat of county government and social services, and with a centrally located park that provides open space, benches and street lighting, Newton has become a place where those with nowhere else to go can gather at night.
Theose without shelter have been attracted to the park for decades. Still, while no definitive count has been taken, the numbers appear to be on the rise recently, officials say, as the homeless see the Green as a place they can find safety in numbers.
“In recent months, officers have responded to an increasing number of quality-of-life concerns involving the population on the County Green,” Newton police wrote in a post in an Aug. 22 Facebook post. “These efforts have led to 45 summonses in June, 66 in July, and 74 as of August 22nd for violations of local and state laws.”“I commend the men and women of the Newton Police Department for their dedication to protecting our community,” Russo added in the same post. “But enforcement alone will never be the full answer. Homelessness is a challenge faced across the country, and it requires both compassion and creativity.
The Green is county property and within the past couple of years, the Sussex County commissioners have tried to address the issue.
The county last year tore down the gazebo which stood on the Park Place side of the rectangular park. The official reason given was that the structure had fallen into disrepair, but the gazebo had also become a spot for drug use and a sleeping space. At least one “sexual offense” has also been recorded there, police reported last year.
The county also established an 11 p.m. curfew for the area, giving Newton police a reason to clear the park as midnight approached. When that did not eliminate the issue of people sleeping in the Green, town officers began writing citations for trespass to those found violating the curfew.
“It was an effort to get them to move from A to B,” Russo said in the interview. “The problem was they only came back to A.”
A municipal judge has a choice on how to handle the violations — either through a fine or jail time. Being indigent, few of those cited have paid the fine. The Sussex County jail, meanwhile, stopped housing prisoners in November 2019, when the county signed a contract to send its inmates to the Morris County Correctional Facility in Morristown.
Sussex Sheriff Michael Strada, who was not invited to the Newton session, said anyone sentenced to jail in Newton would have to be sent to the Morris County lockup. “We pay [Morris County] for that right, and then there is a per-day fee as well,” Strada said.
Despite the slim chances of a fine being paid, officers are still writing three to four summons a day, according to Russo. “It hasn’t made a difference at a hundred a month,” he said.
The latest meeting was called, he added, “to find out what resources I have” to work with as well as to gather the support needed.
He said Jessica Caldwell, Newton’s town planner, will examine state and nationwide programs dealing with the homeless.
Also at the meeting was Barry Dreger, an aquaintance of Russo’s who is working with Newark on its own homeless issues. He will look at the overall homeless population in Sussex and surrounding areas as well as what services are available.
Russo said he wants to involve not only government agencies at all levels, but private and not-for-profit service providers and smaller-scale programs such as those run by local churches.
“This is going to be a long-term commitment,” the manager said. While the current issue may involve only a dozen or so homeless people at night, it “could grow to 30 next year and 50 the year after,” he said. “We can’t have that on the Green nor on Spring Street. Why has it become Newton’s responsibility?”
A historic marker telling the history of the Newton Green is seen in this July 2024 file photo. Local and county officials met to discuss how to help homeless people sleeping overnight in the park.
At least one piece of help came immediately at the meeting, Russo said. County officials agreed to use some of the money they have received through a national settlement tied to the opioid crisis.
At the commissioners’ Aug. 20 meeting, the board noted that Sussex County has received $350,000 as its share of a lawsuit settled between New Jersey municipalities and companies that manufactured opioids. The suit alleged the companies’ deliberate efforts to downplay the addictive nature of the drugs.
New Jersey affordable housing programs may also have some funding available for homeless services, Russo said.
He said the group has scheduled a second meeting for Sept. 8.
Los Angeles County health officials are investigating a reported case of hepatitis A in an employee of a Whole Foods supermarket in Beverly Hills and are warning of possible public exposure to the highly contagious liver infection.
Officials warned that anyone who purchased products from the seafood counter at the grocery store on Crescent Drive between April 20 and May 13 could be affected and urged those not already immune to hepatitis A to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
The virus has also recently been found among members of the county’s homeless population.
Hepatitis A is found in the stool and blood of those infected and can spread among people even before they have symptoms, which include fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dark urine and yellowing of the eyes and skin.
“Receiving vaccination as soon as possible after exposure could help reduce the risk of developing hepatitis A infection,” the county Public Health Department said in a statement. “Residents should contact their local pharmacy or medical provider for the vaccine.”
Whole Foods said it was working closely with the department.
“The team member diagnosed is not working, and we are not aware of anyone else becoming ill,” the company said in a statement. “While we have strict food safety processes in place in our stores, we encourage anyone who believes they may have been exposed to follow the guidance of the health department.”
While no other infections have been reported related to the Whole Foods case, county health officials said this week that they have identified an outbreak of five hepatitis A cases since March among people who are homeless.
Officials said the risk to the general public is “low” but urged anyone who may have been exposed to check if they have been vaccinated.
Homeless people are at a higher risk for contracting the virus due to decreased access to hand washing and toilet facilities, officials said.
California’s last known hepatitis A outbreak occurred between 2016 and 2018, mostly among people experiencing homelessness or using drugs in settings with limited sanitation. In San Diego — which also experienced a hepatitis A outbreak in 2017 — health officials last year reported an uptick in cases among homeless people.
Times staff writer Ruben Vives contributed to this report.
In this article, we will take a look at the 15 states with the highest homeless population in the US. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, you can go directly to the 5 States with the Highest Homeless Population in the US.
Homelessness Reaches New Heights in the US
In the United States, homelessness remains a significant concern, impacting hundreds of thousands of individuals across the nation. On December 15, 2023, The New York Times reported that the number of individuals experiencing homelessness in the United States reached a record high in 2023, as reported by the federal government. In January 2023, the official count identified more than 650,000 people as homeless. The homeless population had increased by over 70,000 individuals year-over-year. This surge, a 12% increase from 2022, marks the largest one-year rise in homelessness since the government began collecting data in 2007.
A study by Homebay highlights the connection between expensive housing and the prevalence of homelessness in the United States. An analysis of the 50 largest metropolitan areas in the US indicated that cities where home prices exceed the national average tend to have a higher rate of homelessness. Conversely, cities with home prices below the national average have significantly fewer homeless individuals, approximately 2.5 times less. The lack of affordable housing directly contributes to the rising rate of homelessness in the US. You can also take a look at the US cities with the highest homeless population per capita.
Affordable Housing Market: Key Trends and Major Players
The affordable housing market refers to the availability and affordability of housing units for low and middle-income earners. The market plays a crucial role in ensuring that people with limited means and finances have access to safe, reasonable, and affordable housing. According to a report by The Business Research Company, the global affordable housing market was valued at $54.26 billion in 2023. Looking forward, the market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% from 2024 to 2028 to reach a value of $71.13 billion by the end of the forecast period. In 2023, North America was the largest region in the global affordable housing market.
In one of our previous articles about the countries with the highest homeless population, we discussed that the year 2023 saw a surge in global unemployment rates. Rising home prices coupled with stagnant wages and the rise in unemployment have made it challenging for many families and individuals to find safe and decent housing, which is leading to an increase in demand for affordable housing. Rapid urbanization is further fueling the demand for affordable housing. Moreover, the rising concentration of the majority of the population is a key factor driving growth in the market. Rise in government policies supporting affordable housing and collaborations among key market players are expected to augment market growth during the forecast period.
On March 5, Reuters reported that the US Treasury Department has introduced new measures to increase the availability of affordable housing by tapping into unused COVID-19 relief funds allocated to state and local governments. These efforts are part of the Biden administration’s strategy to tackle a significant economic issue affecting many Americans: the lack of affordable housing. The Treasury will be permitting state and local authorities to utilize untapped funds from the $350 billion State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund to back housing initiatives catering to families with incomes up to 120% of the local median income, a substantial rise from the previous 65%. Such initiatives by governments create growth opportunities and contribute to market expansion.
Some of the most notable corporations that are catering to the homeless in the US are Cavco Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ:CVCO), American Homes 4 Rent (NYSE:AMH), and Bluerock Homes Trust, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:BHM).
Bluerock Homes Trust, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:BHM), based in New York City, is an externally managed Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT). It owns and manages high-quality single-family properties, particularly in the Sunbelt and Western United States regions, with a focus on the knowledge economy and high quality of life. Bluerock Homes Trust, Inc.’s (NYSEAMERICAN:BHM) main goal is to generate favorable investment returns by curating a portfolio of existing single-family rental homes and constructing communities tailored for rental purposes. The properties are strategically spread across various growing markets, catering to a rising number of middle-income renters who desire a single-family lifestyle without the upfront and ongoing investments associated with homeownership.
Some corporations are actively making significant investments in strategies to combat homelessness. Cavco Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ:CVCO) is one of the largest producers of manufactured and modular homes, vacation cabins, park model RVs, and commercial buildings in the US. It specializes in designing and producing factory-built housing products. On February 28, Cavco Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ:CVCO) announced the successful purchase of homes by two employees who completed its Homes for Our Own (HFOO) program. This unique initiative offers a six-week workshop to educate staff on budgeting, and home buying, and provides financial assistance for their first home purchase. The program is sustained by voluntary donations from Cavco Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ:CVCO) employees through payroll deductions, matched by the company up to $200,000 annually. This financial support aids HFOO graduates in buying their first homes, contributing to addressing the affordable housing crisis.
American Homes 4 Rent (NYSE:AMH), or simply AMH, is an internally managed Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) focused on acquiring, developing, renovating, leasing, and managing homes as rental properties. It aims to simplify the experience of leasing a home and delivering peace of mind to households across the country. American Homes 4 Rent (NYSE:AMH) owns nearly 60,000 single-family properties in the Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, and Mountain West regions of the US. By adding affordable rental homes to the market and focusing on consistent growth, it plays a crucial role in addressing the housing needs of Americans, especially those seeking affordable and stable housing options. On February 22, American Homes 4 Rent (NYSE:AMH) reported strong financial and operating results for the fiscal fourth quarter of 2023. The company reported funds from operations (FFO) of $0.43 per share, surpassing estimates by $0.01. The company reported a revenue of $408.66 million. Here are some comments from American Homes 4 Rent’s (NYSE:AMH) Q4 2023 earnings call:
“For the full year, core FFO per share grew nearly 8% driven by sustained long-term rental demand, superior operational execution supported by our strategic initiatives and consistent production out of our development program. The single-family rental sector and the AMH platform continued to benefit from supply-demand imbalances. The national housing shortage, driven by limited homes for purchase in the open market has created challenging home affordability dynamics for home-buyers. AMH is doing its part to solve this housing shortage.
We are adding new supply to the market and operating high-quality assets in desirable family-friendly locations at a significant discount to the cost of ownership. We are well-positioned to deliver consistent results for years to come.”
Now that we have briefly discussed what’s going on in the affordable housing market, let’s take a look at the 15 states with the highest homeless population in the US.
15 States with the Highest Homeless Population in the US
In this article, we have listed the 15 states with the highest homeless population in the US. To collect data for our list of the states with the most homeless people, we consulted The 2023 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR) by The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. We used the latest data available in their dataset, which provided us with estimates of people experiencing homelessness at the state level as of December 2023. We then narrowed down our selection to rank the 15 states with the highest homeless population in the US, which are listed below in ascending order.
15 States with the Highest Homeless Population in the US
15. North Carolina
Total Homeless Population: 9,754
North Carolina is a state in the Southeastern region of the US that ranks among the 15 states with the highest homeless population in the US. North Carolina also ranks among the top 10 most populated states in America. According to recent estimates, there are 9,754 people experiencing homelessness in North Carolina.
14. New Jersey
Total Homeless Population: 10,264
New Jersey, in the Northeast US, is the most densely populated state in the US. Known for its boardwalk beaches and Atlantic City casinos, New Jersey attracts millions of tourists each year. However, there are more than 10,000 people in New Jersey that are experiencing homelessness.
13. Ohio
Total Homeless Population: 11,386
Ohio is a state in the Midwestern region of the US. It is one of the most populated states in the country. According to recent estimates, 11,386 people are experiencing homelessness in the US state of Ohio.
12. Illinois
Total Homeless Population: 11,947
Illinois, a state in the Midwest, ranks among the top 12 on our list of the states with the highest homeless population in the US. Known as “the Prairie State,” Illinois is characterized by its farmland, forests, rolling hills, and wetlands. In Illinois, the number of individuals experiencing homelessness is estimated to be 11,947.
11. Georgia
Total Homeless Population: 12,294
Georgia is a state in the Southeastern region of the US. Atlanta, Georgia’s capital city, is a major hub for finance, technology, manufacturing, and transportation. Recent estimates show that there are 12,294 people experiencing homelessness in the US state of Georgia.
10. Pennsylvania
Total Homeless Population: 12,556
Pennsylvania is a state in the Mid-Atlantic region that ranks among the top 10 on our list of states with the highest homeless population in the US. It is one of the most populated states in the US. However, there are 12,556 people in Pennsylvania that are experiencing homelessness.
9. Arizona
Total Homeless Population: 14,237
Arizona, in the Southwestern US, is the sixth largest state in the US by size. Recent estimates show that there are 14,237 people in Arizona who are experiencing homelessness. Arizona also has one of the highest percentages of people experiencing homelessness who are unsheltered.
8. Colorado
Total Homeless Population: 14,439
Colorado is a state in the Mountain West sub-region that is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes of mountains, rivers, and plains. According to recent estimates, 14,439 people are experiencing homelessness in Colorado. It ranks 8th on our list of the states with the highest homeless population in the US.
7. Massachusetts
Total Homeless Population: 19,141
Massachusetts is one of the smallest and most densely populated states in the US. Home to prestigious educational institutions, such as Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Massachusetts also ranks high among the smartest states with the highest average IQ. Despite that, there are 19,141 people experiencing homelessness in the state of Massachusetts.
6. Oregon
Total Homeless Population: 20,142
Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region. It is one of the most geographically diverse states in the US. According to recent estimates, there are 20,142 people experiencing homelessness in Oregon, which ranks 6th on our list of the 15 states with the highest homeless population in the US.
