The Link Between Racism and Homelessness

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                                                                        Photo Credit: Nathan Domalo 
             When most people think about or imagine homelessness socioeconomic status is the first contributor that comes to mind. However, race is the number 1 contributor to a person living in poverty or being homeless all together. BIPOC are severely underrepresented in research and statistics surrounding the homeless population. This is due to centuries of institutionalized racism that has prohibited certain communities from owning homes, living in certain neighborhoods, receiving an education etc. Luckily there are organizations both national and local to help combat homelessness with this lens of practice. 

    Statistics: 

  • African Americans comprise 13% of the general population, yet account for 26% of the overall population living in poverty, and even more apparent, they account for 40% of the homeless population. 
  • In 2016, people who identify as American Indian/Alaskan Native represented 4.2% of the unsheltered homeless population nationally. For the overall U.S. population, they only represented about 1%.

    •     Organizations: 

    • JOIN PDX
    • Street Roots 
    • National Alliance to End Homelessness 
    • Unity Care    

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