Racial Inequity and Homelessness: Findings from the SPARC Study

Abstract

This study examines racial inequities and homelessness in the United States through mixed methods research in eight communities. We compare the race and ethnicity of those experiencing homelessness to the general population and to people in poverty, and we also explore how race and ethnicity are associated with housing outcomes. Interviews with 195 individuals of color explore pathways into homelessness and drivers of outcomes. We find that Black/African Americans and Native Americans were the most overrepresented among those experiencing homelessness in each community, and interview data suggest that factors associated with homelessness for people of color include barriers to housing and economic mobility, racism and discrimination within homeless services, and involvement in multiple systems, including criminal justice. How race and ethnicity were associated with outcomes varied for youth, single adults, and families. We argue that researchers and policy-makers need to address homelessness with attention to racial justice.

“The Propellers of My Life” The Impact of Domestic Violence Transitional Housing on Parents and Children

“…Homelessness is detrimental for children and families, leading to increased stress, hunger, mental and physical health challenges, interference with abilities to self-regulate and concentrate in school, and increased chance for removal of children by child welfare systems (Annor & Oudshoorn, 2019 ; Bassuk et al, 2020 ; Shinn et al, 2017 ). Additionally, racial disparities among families who experience both DV and homelessness and housing insecurity exist, especially for Black families who face homelessness at the most disproportional rates, which lead to increased experiences of structural racism, in systems like child welfare, and community violence (Olivet et al, 2021 ; Rochelle, 2017 ; Shinn et al, 2017 ). Despite extensive evidence of the negative impact of DV on parenting, there is little guidance about the role of community-based interventions, like housing, on the reduction of family risk factors, such as decreased safety and isolation or on the enhancement of family protective factors, such as social support and resource.…”

Who Are the Homeless? Centering Anti-Black Racism and the Consequences of Colorblind Homeless Policies

“…Although research from the 1980s and 1990s documents the disproportionate rates of homelessness among Black people (Hopper and Milburn 1996), scholars have only recently started examining and addressing racial disparities in the homeless population (Aviles de Bradley 2015;Edwards 2020;Olivet et al 2021;Paul et al 2020). As such, scholars have yet to thoroughly theorize how racial dynamics have shaped social policy and research on homelessness.…”

Social support and networks among people experiencing chronic homelessness: A systematic review.

“…Despite having more limited social networks generally, one study suggested that individuals experiencing chronic homelessness had more supportive and caring network members than those with briefer homelessness histories (Green et al, 2013). However, individuals’ social support networks may not have tangible resources to provide housing support (Olivet et al, 2018). For example, McQuistion and colleagues found that, over an 18-month period, 58% of first-time homeless individuals temporarily attained housing with family but later returned to homelessness.…”

“…Thus, efforts to enhance social support among Black individuals should emphasize their choice in the community area of their housing. Addressing poverty within the social networks of people of color experiencing homelessness could also increase availability of tangible social support (Olivet et al, 2018). Future research is needed to identify additional adaptations to foster social support among diverse cultural groups.…”