Major Daniel Freeman of The Salvation Army has issued a poignant call for collective community action to address the escalating homelessness crisis across the United States. His statement comes as recent data indicates a significant surge in the unhoused population, with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reporting an over 18% increase in homelessness from 2023 to 2024, reaching an estimated 771,480 people on a single night in January 2024. This marks the largest unhoused population since federal tracking began in 2007.
"The real tragedy is that we as a community do not do more to end the suffering of homelessness," Major Freeman stated in a recent tweet. He emphasized the need to move beyond disagreements on methods, asserting, "It's time for all of us to stop fighting over which way is better and work together to get our fellow citizens off the streets." Major Freeman, who serves as the Silicon Valley Administrator for The Salvation Army, oversees critical programs including emergency shelters, transitional housing, and food distribution, directly addressing the needs of the unhoused.
The rise in homelessness is attributed to a complex interplay of factors, including a severe lack of affordable housing, stagnant wages, and high costs of living. Economic instability due to job loss, physical and mental health challenges, substance abuse, and domestic violence also contribute significantly to individuals and families losing their homes. The Salvation Army recognizes these systemic issues, advocating for solutions that address both immediate needs and root causes.
The Salvation Army, a major non-governmental provider of social services, offers a comprehensive approach to combating homelessness. Their initiatives include providing over 10 million nights of lodging annually through emergency shelters and transitional living centers, alongside vital services such as case management, job skills training, and substance abuse counseling. They aim to empower individuals to transition from homelessness to stable, independent living.
Major Freeman's appeal underscores the urgency of the situation, urging a unified front against a crisis that continues to grow. The organization's long-standing commitment to meeting human needs, from basic shelter and food to holistic support services, positions them at the forefront of efforts to mitigate and ultimately end homelessness across the nation.