The annual increase in California homelessness was only 3.5%, and more of the homeless were in shelters -- 28.0% this year vs. 25.4% in 2023 -- led by efforts in Los Angeles.

Newly released federal data says California’s homeless population grew to 187,084 at the start of 2024, up from 181,399 in 2023, raising questions about the efficacy of the state’s tens of billions of dollars in recent homeless spending.

A new report by federal officials says homelessness is on the rise nationwide, up 18% as affordable housing remains out of reach for many people. It’s the highest recorded since reporting began in 2007.