The new HUD report shows that California counted a homeless population of 181,934 in 2025 – a decline of nearly 3 percent compared to 2024. That makes the state one of the five with the largest decreases nationwide. Even more pronounced were the drops in Illinois (44 percent), Hawaii (41 percent), Florida (11 percent), and New York (8 percent).
The data suggests a partial success for Governor Gavin Newsom, who cracked down on homelessness more aggressively last year. In May 2025, he announced a new model ordinance for cities and counties to combat “persistent” homeless encampments, along with $3.3 billion in voter-approved funds for housing and drug treatment programs. California and New York recorded the highest numbers of homeless people in 2025.
Nationwide, the homeless count fell for the first time since 2016 – by 3 percent compared to 2024. The Trump administration tried to downplay the decline, instead pointing to a 27 percent increase since 2013. HUD Secretary Scott Turner said in a press release: “The data clearly shows that the status quo of the “Housing First” approach has not effectively reduced homelessness, leading to crisis conditions on the streets.” The administration also attributed the decline to its immigration policies, citing “declines in sanctuary cities.”
Source: www.theguardian.com
