Homelessness Disparities

Homelessness Disparities

African American children are significantly overrepresented among the homeless youth population in the United States. While specific percentages can vary based on the source and year of data, a 2020 report by the National Alliance to End Homelessness provides some insight into this issue:

• African American individuals make up about 40% of the homeless population in the U.S., despite being only about 13% of the total population.

Several factors contribute to this disproportionality, including:

• Economic Disparities: Higher rates of poverty, unemployment, and underemployment in African American communities increase the risk of homelessness.

• Housing Discrimination: Historical and ongoing housing discrimination practices, such as redlining and predatory lending, have limited access to stable housing for many African American families.

• Systemic Inequities: Inequities in education, employment, healthcare, and the criminal justice system disproportionately affect African American families, increasing the likelihood of housing instability.

• Family Dynamics: African American families are more likely to experience intergenerational poverty and lack access to supportive services that can prevent homelessness.