Puerto Rico reports rise in homelessness among students and professionals

Catherine Oliver Franco, director of the Administration of Mental Health and Addiction Services (ASSMCA), reported that homelessness in Puerto Rico now includes university students and young professionals. Recent counts indicate 1,945 homeless adults across the island.

Significant increases in homelessness were noted in specific municipalities, with Ponce recording a 19.4 percent increase and Caguas at 11.6 percent. Other areas such as Mayagüez, Arroyo, and Cabo Rojo also showed varying levels of growth in these figures.

Officials attributed the situation of the 204 identified students and young professionals to the lack of affordable housing. Many of these individuals work full-time while attending university and often have children, making it difficult to manage rents within their budgets.