Minorities and Homelessness

Published by the National Coalition for the Homeless, July 2009.

Background

Homelessness emerged as a national issue in the1870's (Kusmer, 2002). At that time in American history, African-Americans made up less than 10% of the population and although there were no national figures documenting the demography of the homeless population, some sources suggest that African-Americans represented a very small segment of the homeless population. As a matter of fact, in the 1950s and 1960s, the typical person experiencing homelessness was white, male, and in his 50s (Kusmer, 2002).

Since that time, however, the scope and demographic makeup of the problem have changed dramatically. Not only do families with children now comprise 41% of the homeless population (National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2006), but 42% of the population is African American. The composition of the average homeless family is a single parent household headed by an African-American female (U.S. Conference of Mayors, 2004).

Demographics and Trends

People of color – particularly African-Americans – are a minority that is particularly overrepresented. According the PBS Homeless Fact and Figures '07, 41% are non-Hispanic whites (compared to 76% of the general population), 40% are African Americans (compared to 11% of the general population) 11% are Hispanic (compared to 9% of the general population) and 8% percent are Native American (compared to 1% of the general population).

Like the total U.S. population, though, the ethnic makeup of homeless populations varies according to geographic location. For example, people experiencing homelessness in rural areas are more likely to be white, female, married, currently working, homeless for the first time, and homeless for a shorter period of time (Fisher, 2005); homelessness among Native Americans and migrant workers is also largely a rural phenomenon.

Many other urban communities cite similar or higher numbers. The Chicago Coalition for the Homeless reports that 77% of its total homeless population is African-American.

The disparities between ethnicities in the U.S. population and the homeless population are striking. In 2007, the homeless population was 47% African-American, though African-American people made up only 12% U.S. adult population. The homeless population was only 35% white, though white people made up about 76% of the U.S. population (U.S. Census Bureau, 2003; U.S. Conference of Mayors, 2007).

Veterans make up approximately one-third of the male homeless population. Among this population about 46% are white, 56% are African-American or Latino (Department of Veteran Affairs, 2005).

The sexual orientation of homeless persons is not often measured, but the National Network of Runaway and Youth Services estimates that about 6% of homeless adolescents are gay or lesbian. Studies assessing sexual orientations of homeless adolescents have revealed rates ranging from 11% to 35% (American Journal of Public Health, 2002). These youths face considerable risk of violence and abuse while homeless.

Factors contributing to Homelessness - Sociological Perspectives

Homelessness is often a very individual experience...we can also make the mistake that a person who is homeless is in such a state due to poor individual decisions or behaviors. However, to get a more complete perspective on homelessness we need to turn to Sociology. While not dismissing the role that indivdual differences make on homelessness, Sociology provides insight into social structures and conditions that ALSO contribute to homelessness.

The great advantage of having these perspectives is that we can often ADDRESS these factors much more easily than we can address the individual causes of homelessness. For example: if we provided options for more affordable housing through programs, we could reduce homelessness.

Automobile related – Broken down car, no insurance, tickets, etc.
Decline in Public Assistance – Current TANF benefits and food stamps combined are below the poverty level in every state; in fact, the median TANF benefit for a family of three is approximately one-third of the poverty level. Thus, contrary to popular opinion, welfare does not provide relief from poverty.
Divorce – Divorce often leaves one of the spouses homeless. Most often it's the father, but sometimes it's the mother and children or everyone involved.
Domestic Violence – Battered women who live in poverty are often forced to choose between abusive relationships and homelessness.
Drug and Alcohol related problems – Rates of alcohol and drug abuse are disproportionately high among the population without homes.
Illness – For families and individuals struggling to pay the rent, a serious illness or disability can start a downward spiral into homelessness, beginning with a lost job, depletion of savings to pay for care, and eventual eviction.
Job loss – No income to pay rent.
Lack of affordable housing- The lack of affordable housing has lead to high rent burdens (rents which absorb a high proportion of income), overcrowding, and substandard housing.
Lack of child support – In families where child support is ordered but not paid, the decrease in income can lead to an inability to pay rent, utilities, or both.
Low wages – Declining wages have put housing out of reach for many workers: in every state, more than the minimum wage is required to afford a one- or two-bedroom apartment at Fair Market Rent
Mental Illness – Approximately 20-25% of single adult people experiencing homelessness suffer from some form of severe and persistent mental illness.
Natural Disaster/Fire – Situations where due to chance a fire, tornado, flood or hurricane renders housing inhabitable.
Physical Disabilities – Disabled individuals may be unable to work or find appropriate employment. For those receiving SSI, they often struggle to obtain and maintain stable housing.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – This disorder is common with veterans and those that have been in violent situations. It can make it difficult to have a stable life.
Poverty – Being poor means being an illness, an accident, or a paycheck away from living on the streets.
Roommates – When one or more roommates fall through with their end of the bargain that can be a reason for others to lose their housing.
Severe Depression – Can make it impossible for an individual to maintain a stable life.
Tragedy – It is surprising how many people just quit functioning because their families died or were killed. Sometimes recently, but other times years ago.

http://homelessresourcenetwork.org/index.php/homelessness101/homelessness-causes/

Click HERE to visit the Now on PBS: Facts and Figures: The Homeless website

What is Homelessness "Poverty in Chicago"
Click HERE to view this directly on YouTube

Can Homelessness be Solved?
Click HERE to view this directly on YouTube

Maine Homelessness Increases
Click HERE to view this directly on YouTube

Mid Maine Homeless Shelter - Rebuilding Lives
Click HERE to view this directly on YouTube

Nobody Expects to be Homeless - Betty Palmer at TEDx Colby College
Click HERE to view this directly on YouTube

How a Penny Made me feel like a Millionaire

The Danger of Silence

Assessment

Lesson 5 Discussion A

After watching the talks related specifically to Maine, use the discussion board to open discussion regarding possible interventions, prevention measures and programs that may support or assist with Maine's homeless population.

Lesson 5 Discussion B

After watching the ted.com talks, select two to address in greater detail on the discussion board. Review intrapersonal issues, interpersonal issues, risk factors, protective factors and demonstrate an understanding of how systems interact by supporting a method for intervention/prevention of homelessness presented within the talks.