Homeless and Indigenous in Minneapolis

Abstract

Indigenous peoples are overrepresented in the homeless population. This paper examines the extent to which homelessness and some of its possible antecedents and consequences differ for indigenous peoples and majority whites residing in the city of Minneapolis. We conclude that being homeless and indigenous in Minneapolis is a significantly different experience for this group than it is for majority whites. The cultural context of indigenous homelessness reflects higher poverty and inconsistent patterns of employment. It also reflects higher support in family and friend relationships. Higher misuse of alcohol reflects personal disability while lower use of mental health services reflects a structural disability. Discrimination is reflected in previous childhood out-of-home placements. [Article copies available for a feefiont The Haworth Doctunetit Delivery Setvice: 1-800-342-9678. E-mail address: getiilfo@haworthpressitic. corn] [Haworth co-indexing entry note]: "Homeless and Indigenous in Millileapolis." Westerfelt, Alex, and Michael Yellow Bird. Co-published simultaneously in Joirrrml of lfimtofi Behovior iff the Social EfrlhrtnreM (multiple copies of this article are available for a fee from Vie Haworth Dociiment Delivery Service [I -8Oo-.W2-9678,900 a.m. -500 p.m. (EST). E-mail address: getinfo@(iaworthpr~iiic.coml.

Correlates of Homeless Episodes Among Indigenous People

“…Importantly, our results suggest that reservation and reserve cultures quietly absorbs most homeless episodes, particularly those that occur on the reservation through making room for relatives and friends regardless of overcrowding (see also Owen et al 2007). Our results are congruent with other studies that have shown that those who have ever been homeless manifest more physical health, mental health, and substance abuse problems suggesting that experiences of homelessness are related to more tenuous adjustment and that the experiences may be persistent (Kahn et al 1992;Kasprow and Rosenheck 1998;Owen et al 2007;Westerfelt and Yellow Bird 1999). With the current data, it is impossible to discern the effects of parent/caretaker histories of homeless on the parenting of the study children.…”

“…In the Wilder study, the level of selfreported mental health problems of those who had experienced actual episodes of homelessness (56%) was very similar to that of the near-homeless (51%), but those who had been actually homeless reported higher levels of reported traumatic brain injury (40% vs. 29%) (Owen et al 2007). Westerfelt and Yellow Bird (1999) reported a much lower rate of psychiatric hospitalization among Indigenous homeless people (6.7%) compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts (24.3%).…”

“…The few studies of Indigenous people who are homeless indicate high levels of substance abuse typically associated with homeless people. Some studies have found that Indigenous homeless people manifest higher rates of substance misuse than other racial/ethnic groups (Kahn et al 1992;Kasprow and Rosenheck 1998;Westerfelt and Yellow Bird 1999). Others show Indigenous people who are homeless use alcohol and drugs at about the same rates as homeless people of other ethnic groups (Gamst et al 2006).…”

Psychometric Examination of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale with Older American Indians: The Native Elder Care Study

“…In particular, studies have indicated that homeless AI/ANs have much higher rates of alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems than the general population (Kasprow & Rosenheck, 1998;Kramer & Barker, 1996;Lobo & Vaughan, 2003). Although research is mixed concerning whether homeless AI/ANs consume alcohol at greater quantities or frequencies than other homeless individuals, their experience of alcohol problems is generally more severe compared to homeless non-AI/ANs (Gamst et al, 2006;Kahn et al, 1992;Kasprow & Rosenheck, 1998;Travis, 1991;Westerfelt & Yellow Bird, 1999).…”

“…Compared to their counterparts on reservations, urban AI/ANs have less familial and other social support, fewer opportunities to engage in traditional cultural and spiritual practices, and less access to culturally appropriate health care services (Castor et al, 2006;Evans-Campbell, Lindhorst, Huang, & Walters, 2006;Jackson, 2002;Lobo, 2001). Perhaps as a result of these factors, urban AI/ANs experience a greater prevalence of homelessness than do non-AI/ANs living in cities (Westerfelt & Yellow Bird, 1999;Whitbeck et al, 2011). Considering their population share, the prevalence of homelessness among AI/ANs in major U.S. cities is disproportionately high.…”