Since 2016, the number of individuals classified as homeless across the United States has steadily increased according to data from the Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Prior to that, homelessness had been in steady decline for years. Tent cities began appearing in major cities across the country, many in western states like New Mexico, California, Oregon, and Texas. In places like San Francisco, the growth in the homeless population would come alongside a stark increase in property crime like car break-ins.