Doesn’t the 44% mean that that is the amount it decreased? Then why the yikes?

argumate: > Homelessness is Falling in California for the First Time in Years. Here’s What Changed > >> The trend in California is part of a broader nationwide decrease in homelessness, with Illinois (44%), Hawaii (41%), Florida (11%), and New York (8%) seeing some of the largest declines. > > seems good news, Illinois though yikes Doesn’t the 44% mean that that is the amount it decreased? Then why the yikes? (The map in the article shows that the highest rate of homelessness is in fact in New York state with 72 homeless person per 10.000 people)