A new study shows Texas has the No. 19 lowest rate of homelessness, while the nation saw an increase in homelessness for the fourth consecutive year.

The crisis has become more glaring in recent years and is heartbreaking to witness. We must understand the extent of the problem in each state and city and then work towards eradicating it.

Security.org today released a study on the State of Homelessness in 2021 following analysis of data released in March 2021 from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Texas saw a 4.7% increase less population and has a rate of 93.4 per 100,000 residents is below the national average of 174.

Amarillo saw a 22.8 decrease in its homeless population, the No.4 largest decrease in the country. Amarillo also saw a rate of homelessness above the national average at 225.6. Austin saw an above-average increase in its homelessness population at 11.1%.

HUD gathers data every January and releases it in March the following year. The numbers cited in this study are from January 2020. Even before COVID-19, homelessness was worsening nationally, and when the impact of the pandemic is reported it will be devasting.

Key National findings:

-D.C. was highest with 898 per 100,000, Mississippi lowest with 37 per 100,000.

-Children account for 18% of the homeless population.

-Black people are 13% of all people in the U.S. but 39% of the homeless population.

-Top 5 States: D.C., New York, Hawaii, California, Oregon.

Bottom 5 States: Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Virginia, North Dakota.