An examination of housing interventions among youth experiencing homelessness: an investigation into racial/ethnic and sexual minority status. (6th August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hill, C; Hsu, H; Holguin, M; Morton, M; Winetrobe, H; Rice, E
• Is Part Of: Journal of public health. Volume 44:Number 4(2022)
• Page Start: 834
• Page End: 843
• Publication Date: 2021-08-06
• Subjects: housing -- social housing -- young people; Public health -- Periodicals; Public health -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Medical policy -- Periodicals; Medical policy -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 362.1
• DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdab295
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1741-3842

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: The purpose of this study is to explore main and interaction effects of minority and multiple minority statuses on exits from homelessness and the stability of homelessness exits overtime. Methods: This study utilized the Homeless Management Information System administrative data of 10 922 youth experiencing homelessness collected from a convenience sample of 16 geographically diverse communities across the USA between 2015–17. Using multinomial logistic regression analyses and logistic regression, main effects and interaction effects of racial/ethnic minority identity and sexual/gender minority identity were examined on various homelessness exits ( n = 9957) and housing sustainability ( n = 5836). Results: Black youth, relative to White youth, were disproportionately exiting homelessness through incarceration ( P < 0.001). Black and Latinx youth were less likely to successfully self-resolve their homelessness (both P < 0.05). Black heterosexual and Black and Latinx non-heterosexual youth were most frequently lost to the homeless system (all P < 0.01). Black youth, relative to White youth, were approximately half as likely to remain stably housed after returning to family ( P < 0.01). Conclusions: With respect to housing exits and exit stability, Black and Latinx heterosexual youth are consistently at a disadvantage. Homelessness/housing systems and programs need to conduct a deeper investigation into how they implement and develop equitable outreach and engagement practices.