Point-in-Time Estimates nationwide recorded 771,480 people experiencing homelessness on a single night in 2024 — the highest number ever documented by the federal government.
The annual report by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) detailed how all populations reached record levels except for veterans, whose numbers decreased by 8%. California tallied the highest number of individuals experiencing homelessness at 187,084, followed by New York at 158,019.
The Butte Countywide Homeless Continuum of Care did not record numbers for 2024 but has a count scheduled Jan. 29.
HUD’s full report can be viewed by going to huduser.gov. It lists the following reasons for the increase in numbers: the affordable housing crisis, rising inflation, stagnant wages, systemic racism, public health crises, natural disasters, increased immigration and the rollback of COVID homelessness prevention programs.
The Point-in-Time count, an annual effort mandated HUD since 2005, provides a snapshot of homelessness across the United States on a single night each January. Volunteers and outreach workers survey shelters, encampments and public spaces to count individuals experiencing homelessness.
For the survey, homelessness is defined as lacking a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence, including those living in shelters, transitional housing or places not meant for habitation, such as cars, parks or abandoned buildings.
“Because of the difficulty of locating people in some of these situations and differences in local capacity to conduct the unsheltered count, the actual number of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness could be larger than reported,” states the report.
Check buttehomelesscoc.com for details on the Butte County count, including how to sign up.
Arts
The Oroville Arts Commission is seeking artists to create two public art pieces as part of the 2024 Arts in Public Places Beautification Grant.
A press release from the city states up to $40,000 is available for these projects. Specifically, the commission will fund a “Red Tail Hawk Wings Art Installation for photo opportunities” and a “Wildflower Mural in the downtown business district.”
To apply, go to the city’s webpage (cityoforoville.org) and, on the Arts Commission page, click the tab “Arts NOFA.” The application period ends Jan. 10 at 4 p.m.