How Does Race Factor Into Homelessness?

 

Race Factors Into Homelessness

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While the United States is slowly becoming a multicultural nation, it has not yet become a so-called majority minority society. That is to say that people of color still do not comprise 50.1 percent or more of the population. It is true that, as of 2020, that non-Hispanic whites make up 50.1 percent of the homeless population, while making up 61.6 percent of the U.S. population. However, it cannot be denied that some demographics are overrepresented in this unfortunate cohort. This blog post will explore how race factors into homelessness, why that might be the case and how this might be counteracted. 

Does Race Play a Factor in Homelessness? 

Non-Hispanic whites, those of Asian descent and those of mixed ancestry are the only cohorts whose share of the national population exceed their share of the homeless population.  Conversely, non-Hispanic black people make up 12.4 percent of the overall population, but 37.4 percent of those experiencing homelessness. Those of Hispanic descent account for 18.7 percent of American residents overall, but 24.1 percent of those without stable housing. Native Americans and Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders make up 1.1 and 0.2 percent of the national population, while representing 3.4 and 1.7 percent of homeless people, respectively. All this data comes from the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness. 

Why Does Race Factor Into Homelessness? 

There are innumerable ways for someone to lapse into homelessness in America, one such being the rising cost of living. And yes, anyone, under just the wrong set of circumstances, can become homeless. However, people of color have experienced centuries of systemic racism and discrimination. For example, while The New Deal was a major series of progressive policies and legislation that led to the creation of the American middle class, it purposely excluded black and brown people. When the interstate highway system was constructed during the Eisenhower era, those roadways carved up or obliterated communities of color. To this day, people of color have greater difficulty obtaining the following: 

  • A livable wage 
  • Affordable housing in desirable communities, i.e. no environmental contamination
  • Loans and other financial programs, which may be used to purchase housing 
  • Quality health care 
  • Nourishing food 
  • Clean drinking water 
  • Legal representation
  • And much more

What Can Be Done To Combat Systemic Racism? 

First and foremost, those interested in fighting this discrimination might want to conduct research into this subject. Then, they might consider banding together to push city, state and federal governments to pass legislation that, among other things: 

  • Enacts and enforces fair housing laws 
  • Regulates evictions 
  • Limits the scope of background checks for those previously incarcerated or with a criminal history 

Mentor A Promise and its network of partner organizations work to remove barriers for all those struggling, regardless of ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic background or any other factor. 

Contact Mentor A Promise Today 

Our organization recognizes the immense potential within each individual and seeks to provide them with the educational resources and opportunities they need to thrive. To that end, we have built a strong network of family shelters, educational institutions and community organizations to support homeless children, youths and their families. Click these links to learn more about what we offer or to get involved. Together, we can break the cycle of homelessness. 

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