New data show homelessness increased

MANCHESTER, N.H. — New data shows homelessness in the U.S. increased by 18% over the last year, but some states are faring better than others, including New Hampshire. New data shows fewer people are experiencing homelessness in New Hampshire in 2024 compared to the year before. But despite the overall improvement, the breakdown shows the number of unsheltered people in the state went up. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, unsheltered refers to people who are sleeping in places not meant for human habitation, including sidewalks, cars, or campgrounds. New Hampshire state data from 2023 shows 2,442 homeless people in the state. The 2024 report has the number at 2,245. That’s an 8% decrease.