Fact Check: Building more homes does not solve homelessness in America.

Fact Check: "Building more homes does not solve homelessness in America."

What We Know

The claim that building more homes does not solve homelessness in America is a complex issue that intertwines housing supply, affordability, and the socio-economic factors contributing to homelessness. According to a recent analysis by The Pew Charitable Trusts, there is a strong connection between rising rents and increasing rates of homelessness. The data indicates that areas with high rent increases tend to experience higher levels of homelessness, while areas with slower rent growth often see declines in homelessness. The report highlights that between 2017 and 2022, metro areas with significant rent increases, such as Austin and Fresno, also saw sharp rises in homelessness, while cities like Chicago and Houston, which had slower rent growth, recorded declines in homelessness.

Moreover, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reported a 12.1% increase in homelessness from 2022 to 2023, underscoring the ongoing housing affordability crisis. The report emphasizes that the lack of affordable housing is a significant driver of homelessness, with millions of households struggling to afford rent. It is noted that effective interventions, such as housing vouchers and permanent supportive housing (PSH), have proven successful in helping individuals exit homelessness.

Analysis

While the assertion that building more homes does not solve homelessness may hold some truth, it oversimplifies a multifaceted issue. Research indicates that simply increasing housing supply is not a panacea for homelessness. For instance, a report argues that the construction of new homes does not necessarily address the needs of the very low-income individuals who are most at risk of homelessness. This perspective suggests that without accompanying measures to ensure affordability and accessibility, new housing developments may not benefit those in need.

Conversely, evidence from The Pew Charitable Trusts suggests that allowing more homes to be built can help keep housing costs down, which is crucial for reducing homelessness. The report indicates that cities that have successfully increased their housing supply have also managed to keep rent growth low, thereby mitigating homelessness rates. This aligns with findings from the Bipartisan Policy Center, which highlights that homelessness tends to increase in areas where a significant portion of income is spent on housing.

The reliability of sources varies; while The Pew Charitable Trusts and HUD are reputable organizations providing data-driven insights, some opinion pieces may reflect biases based on the authors' perspectives on housing policy. For example, articles from The Conversation and Housing is a Human Right present critical views on the effectiveness of simply building more homes without addressing underlying affordability issues.

Conclusion

The claim that building more homes does not solve homelessness in America is Partially True. While increasing housing supply alone may not directly resolve homelessness, it is a critical component of a broader strategy that must include affordability measures and support systems. The evidence suggests that housing costs are a primary driver of homelessness, and thus, addressing these costs through increased supply and effective housing policies is essential for reducing homelessness rates. However, without ensuring that new housing is affordable and accessible to those most in need, simply building more homes may not yield the desired outcomes.