US Homelessness Surges 18%

Above: A homeless encampment in Oakland, California, US, on April 22, 2024. Image copyright: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg/Contributor via Getty Images

The Spin

Democratic narrative

The surge in homelessness stems from systemic underinvestment in affordable housing, income inequality, and insufficient access to mental health services. There must be collaboration between federal, state, and local governments to prioritize permanent housing solutions and increase funding for programs to address this crisis effectively.

Republican narrative

Democrats' pro-migration policies have exacerbated the homeless crisis, with the arrival of millions of migrants having contributed to rising rental costs in the aftermath of the pandemic. It's simple economics: when demand is high, prices go up. As a result, housing has become unaffordable for young people and low-wage earners.

Metaculus Prediction

There is a 4% chance the US, UK, China, or any of the countries in the EU will enact a universal basic income before 2030?


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