Nearly 770,000 people experienced homelessness in the United States in 2024.
An 18% increase from 2023.
National Low Income Housing Coalition, 2025.
The Four Types of Homelessness
Transitional Homelessness
[Type of Homelessness] noun
When an individual experiences homelessness due to a major life change or catastrophic event
i.e., sudden unemployment or illness that leads to temporary homelessness due to the loss of their financial safety net.
Episodic Homelessness
3x in a year
When an individual experiences homelessness
This can quickly spiral into chronic homelessness
Most people experiencing episodic homelessness are young adults suffering from addiction.
Chronic Homelessness
When an individual experiences homelessness for over 1 year
Most are elderly individuals with physical and mental disabilities
Hidden Homelessness
"Couch Surfing"
Those experiencing homelessness by
Many end up hopping from place to place with no definititive housing.
Because this form of homelessness is often hidden, it is widely underreported.
What is being done to address homelessness in the US?
Federal Initiatives
Citation
National Policies
This model, supported by HUD, prioritizes providing permanent housing without preconditions (like sobriety or employment), followed by supportive services. It has shown strong results but is inconsistently funded and adopted.
Housing First Approach
1
Citation
Included significant, though temporary, funding boosts to homeless services, housing vouchers, and rental assistance
American Rescue Plan
2
Citation
The Gaps
Chronic Underfunding
Federal housing assistance reaches only 1 in 4 eligible households. Many wait years for housing vouchers.
Lack of Coordination
Federal, state, and local policies often conflict or duplicate efforts, leading to inefficiencies.
Criminalization of Homelessness:
Despite federal discouragement, many cities continue to enforce laws that penalize people for sleeping in public — without offering alternatives.
While homelessness is a national crisis, federal solutions are often broad and don't always account for the unique needs of individual communities. As a result, many vulnerable populations slip through the cracks.
Change starts at the local level.
That's why BAM is dedicated to addressing homelessness right here in Orange County.
Through local service events, we are able to better empathize with our community, understand its specific challenges, and act directly.
At our bi-weekly general meetings, we bring educational awareness about the homeless crisis to our members and the broader UCI community through short presentations on pertinent topics.
In the past year, we raised over
$1500
that goes directly to supporting our mission
10+
Local organizations we collaborate and volunteer with
Active members & volunteers
70+
Additional Resources
If you would like to continue learning about the homelessness crisis, here are a few trusted resources we suggest!
