Latest Homelessness News

8 homeless moms in San Francisco struggled for help. Now, they're learning to advocate for others

Jun. 29, 2024 01:11 AM EDT

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — They know chronic back pain from couch surfing while pregnant. They tuck their children in at bedtime in the backs of cars and under bridges. Once their kids are asleep, and only then, do they let themselves cry. Since January, a group of eight San Francisco...

Some cities facing homelessness crisis applaud Supreme Court decision, while others push back

Jun. 28, 2024 19:43 PM EDT

SEATTLE (AP) — A decision by the U.S. Supreme Court allowing cities to enforce bans on sleeping outside in public spaces will allow San Francisco to begin clearing homeless encampments that have plagued the city, the mayor said Friday as she applauded the ruling. The case is the...

Divided Supreme Court rules in major homelessness case that outdoor sleeping bans are OK

Jun. 28, 2024 16:07 PM EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court cleared the way for cities to enforce bans on homeless people sleeping outside in public places on Friday, overturning a ruling from a California-based appeals court that found such laws amount to cruel and unusual punishment when shelter space is lacking. ...

Number of homeless residents in Los Angeles County decreases in annual count

Jun. 28, 2024 15:48 PM EDT

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The number of homeless residents counted in Los Angeles County has dipped slightly, decreasing by about 0.3% since last year as California continues to struggle with the long-running crisis of tens of thousands of people sleeping in cars and encampments. Results...

California governor defends progressive values, says they're an 'antidote' to populism on the right

Jun. 25, 2024 15:37 PM EDT

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Gov. Gavin Newsom used his State of the State address on Tuesday to boost President Joe Biden ahead of Thursday's pivotal presidential debate, comparing Donald Trump's version of the Republican Party to the rise of fascism prior to World War II and offering Democrats'...

As more Texans struggle with housing costs, homeownership becoming less attainable

Jun. 24, 2024 12:33 PM EDT

More Texas homeowners and renters than ever are struggling with high housing costs — and the state’s high home prices have potentially put the dream of owning a home out-of-reach for a growing number of families. That’s according to a new report from Harvard University’s...

Micro communities for the homeless sprout in US cities eager for small, quick and cheap solutions

Jun. 14, 2024 09:30 AM EDT

ATLANTA (AP) — In a dreary part of downtown Atlanta, shipping containers have been transformed into an oasis for dozens of previously unsheltered people who now proudly call a former parking lot home. The gated micro community known as “The Melody” doesn't look like a parking...

New Orleans plans to spiff up as host of next year's Super Bowl

Jun. 04, 2024 17:11 PM EDT

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans hosts its 11th Super Bowl next year and the preparations involve showcasing the city's heralded architecture, music, food and celebratory culture while addressing its myriad challenges, including crime, pockets of homelessness and an antiquated drainage system. ...

Alaska mayor who wanted to give the homeless a one-way ticket out of Anchorage concedes election

May. 23, 2024 17:22 PM EDT

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson, who wanted to give the homeless one-way plane tickets out of Alaska’s largest city, has lost his bid for re-election. Bronson on Thursday conceded this month's runoff election to his challenger, Suzanne LaFrance. ...

Tough-on-crime challenger leading in race for district attorney in Portland, Oregon

May. 22, 2024 06:46 AM EDT

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A centrist candidate who has vowed to be tough on crime was leading in the race for top prosecutor in Oregon’s Multnomah County, home to Portland, in a contest that was seen as a referendum on voter concerns over homelessness, public drug use and disorder. ...