Homelessness is a complex issue impacting communities across the United States. This post takes a closer look at homelessness on a national level, zooming in on Washington State, Whatcom County, and the city of Bellingham to explore the challenges and responses in each area. Homelessness in the United States Nationwide, homelessness remains a persistent challenge, with hundreds of thousands of individuals experiencing it on any given night. Key factors contributing to homelessness include the lack of affordable housing, economic disparities, mental health issues, and substance use disorders. Resources like the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Alliance to End Homelessness provide comprehensive research and tools to better understand the crisis. Studies show that on a single night in January 2022, over 580,000 people were experiencing homelessness in the U.S. While programs like Housing First and federal funding have made strides, the need for systemic, long-term solutions is evident. […]