Which Race Has the Most Homeless People: Understanding the Complex Landscape of Homelessness in America

The image of homelessness is often painted with broad strokes, but the reality is far more intricate, touching upon systemic issues, historical disadvantages, and deeply rooted societal challenges. When we ask, “Which race has the most homeless people,” we’re not just seeking a statistic; we’re probing a complex societal issue that demands a nuanced understanding of equity, opportunity, and the very fabric of our communities. It’s a question that weighs heavily on my mind, especially when I see individuals in our cities, their stories often untold, their struggles invisible to many. My own experiences, witnessing firsthand the precariousness of housing security for some families, have solidified my belief that this isn’t just about demographics; it’s about the disparities that leave certain groups disproportionately vulnerable.

The Stark Reality: Who is Most Affected?

To directly address the question of which race has the most homeless people, data consistently points to Black or African American individuals as representing the largest proportion of the homeless population in the United States. This is not a matter of inherent predisposition but a reflection of deeply embedded systemic factors that have historically and continue to disadvantage Black communities. According to the latest reports from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), while Black or African Americans make up a smaller percentage of the overall U.S. population, they are significantly overrepresented among those experiencing homelessness. This disproportionality is a critical indicator of the persistent inequities that plague our society.

It’s crucial to understand that these numbers aren’t mere statistics; they represent individuals, families, and dreams deferred. Each number is a person who has, for a myriad of reasons, lost the stability and safety of a home. Thinking about this, I often recall a conversation I had with a volunteer at a local shelter. She spoke of a young Black woman, a recent college graduate with a promising career ahead, who found herself homeless after a sudden job loss and an unexpected medical emergency that wiped out her savings. Her story, while perhaps not the typical image some might conjure, underscores how quickly circumstances can change and how existing vulnerabilities can be exacerbated, leading to homelessness.

Deconstructing the Disproportion: Why the Overrepresentation?

The overrepresentation of Black individuals within the homeless population is not a coincidence. It is the product of a complex interplay of historical injustices and ongoing systemic barriers. To truly grasp this, we must delve into several key areas:

Historical Legacy of Systemic Racism: The enduring impact of slavery, Jim Crow laws, redlining, and discriminatory housing and employment practices has created a deep and persistent wealth gap. For generations, Black families were systematically denied opportunities to build generational wealth, own homes, and access quality education and employment. This historical disenfranchisement has had a ripple effect that continues to impact economic stability and housing security today.
Economic Disparities: Even with advances in civil rights, Black Americans continue to face significant economic disadvantages. This includes higher rates of unemployment, lower average incomes, and a greater likelihood of working in low-wage jobs with fewer benefits. These economic realities make it exceedingly difficult to afford housing in many areas, particularly in cities with high costs of living. The tight housing market, coupled with stagnant wages for many, creates a precarious situation where a single setback, like a job loss or medical bill, can lead to eviction and homelessness.
Housing Discrimination: Despite fair housing laws, discrimination in the rental and sales markets persists. This can manifest in landlords refusing to rent to individuals based on race, offering fewer desirable units, or charging higher rents. This limits options and can push Black individuals and families into less stable or affordable housing situations, increasing their risk of homelessness.
Criminal Justice System Involvement: Black individuals are disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system. A criminal record, even for minor offenses, can be a significant barrier to securing employment and housing. Many landlords conduct background checks, and a past conviction can lead to automatic denial, trapping individuals in a cycle of instability and increasing their risk of homelessness upon release from incarceration.
Healthcare Access and Mental Health: Access to affordable and quality healthcare, including mental health services, is not equitably distributed. Communities of color often face greater barriers to accessing these vital services. Untreated physical and mental health conditions can significantly impact an individual’s ability to maintain employment and housing, thereby increasing their vulnerability to homelessness.

I remember visiting a community center that offered services to individuals experiencing homelessness. A social worker there, a woman with immense compassion and years of experience, shared how many of the Black clients she worked with spoke of feeling like they were constantly “one paycheck away” from disaster. They often carried the burden of supporting multiple family members, a testament to strong community ties but also a reflection of economic pressures that disproportionately affect Black families due to historical disadvantages.

Beyond Race: Intersectionality and Homelessness

While race is a significant factor, it’s crucial to acknowledge that homelessness is not solely a racial issue. It is a multifaceted problem influenced by the intersection of various factors. We must consider how race intersects with other demographics and life circumstances:

Gender: While men are statistically more likely to be homeless overall, women, particularly single mothers, face unique challenges. Black women, when considered within this intersection, often experience heightened vulnerability due to the compounding effects of racism and sexism.
Age: Youth homelessness is a particularly concerning subset. Black youth, especially LGBTQ+ youth, are disproportionately represented among those experiencing homelessness, often due to family rejection and lack of support systems.
Disability: Individuals with disabilities are at a higher risk of homelessness. When disability intersects with race, the challenges can be amplified due to systemic barriers in accessing both healthcare and employment.
Veteran Status: While veteran homelessness has seen reductions, it remains a concern. Certain racial groups among veterans may face greater challenges in transitioning back to civilian life and securing stable housing due to lingering systemic inequities.

The concept of intersectionality, coined by legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw, is vital here. It helps us understand how different forms of oppression (like racism, sexism, classism, homophobia) can overlap and create unique experiences of discrimination and disadvantage. For a Black transgender woman, for instance, the risk of homelessness is compounded by racism, transphobia, and potentially economic instability, creating a vulnerability far greater than that experienced by someone facing only one of these challenges.

The Data Speaks: Understanding the Numbers

To provide a clearer picture, let’s look at some key data points from recent HUD reports, which are considered the gold standard for national homelessness statistics in the U.S. These numbers, while stark, are essential for understanding the scope and racial demographics of the issue.

According to the 2026 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress:

Overall Homeless Population: In a single night in 2026, over 653,000 people were experiencing homelessness in the United States. This represents a significant increase from previous years, highlighting the growing crisis.
Racial Breakdown of Homeless Individuals:
- Black or African American: Constituted approximately 38% of the total homeless population.
- White: Constituted approximately 37% of the total homeless population.
- Hispanic/Latino: Constituted approximately 20% of the total homeless population.
- American Indian or Alaska Native: Constituted approximately 4% of the total homeless population.
- Asian: Constituted approximately 1% of the total homeless population.
- Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander: Constituted approximately 1% of the total homeless population.
- Multiple Races: Constituted approximately 2% of the total homeless population.

Important Caveat: Population Proportionality

It’s absolutely critical to compare these percentages to the U.S. population as a whole to understand the true extent of disproportionality. For instance:

Black or African Americans make up about 13% of the U.S. population but account for 38% of those experiencing homelessness.
White individuals make up about 60% of the U.S. population and account for 37% of those experiencing homelessness.
Hispanic/Latino individuals make up about 19% of the U.S. population and account for 20% of those experiencing homelessness.

This comparison reveals that Black or African Americans are disproportionately represented among the homeless population by a significant margin. While White individuals may constitute a similar percentage of the homeless population, their representation is closer to their proportion in the general population, indicating a lesser degree of disproportionality compared to Black individuals.

This data is a stark reminder of the ongoing racial disparities in our society. It’s not about assigning blame but about recognizing where the system is failing and where interventions are most urgently needed. When I see these numbers, I can’t help but think of the countless policy decisions and historical events that have led to this point. It’s a collective responsibility to address the root causes.

Exploring Specific Groups and Their Vulnerabilities

Beyond the aggregate data, examining specific demographics within the homeless population further illuminates the depth of the problem. Understanding these nuances allows for more targeted and effective solutions.

Children and Families Experiencing Homelessness

Homelessness among children and families is a particularly heartbreaking aspect of this crisis. In 2026, HUD estimated that nearly 98,000 individuals were part of families with children experiencing homelessness. Of these, a substantial portion are single-parent households, often headed by women.

Racial Demographics: Similar to the overall homeless population, Black families are disproportionately represented among families experiencing homelessness. This is directly linked to the economic and housing challenges previously discussed, which disproportionately affect Black single mothers and their children. The lack of affordable childcare, stagnant wages, and barriers to stable employment create an environment where housing insecurity is a constant threat.
Impact on Children: The effects of homelessness on children are profound and long-lasting. They face disruption in their education, increased health risks, and significant emotional and psychological trauma. This cycle of disadvantage can perpetuate for generations if not effectively addressed. Providing stable housing is not just about shelter; it’s about safeguarding the future of our children.

Individuals Experiencing Chronic Homelessness

Chronic homelessness refers to individuals who have experienced homelessness for at least a year or have had at least four episodes of homelessness in the last three years, while also having a disabling condition. This is often the most visible form of homelessness, characterized by individuals living on the streets or in unsheltered locations.

Racial Demographics: Black or African American individuals are also overrepresented in the chronically homeless population. This can be attributed to a confluence of factors, including long-term effects of systemic discrimination, lack of access to consistent healthcare and mental health services, and difficulties in reintegrating into society after periods of incarceration. The challenges of overcoming deeply ingrained barriers can make achieving long-term stability incredibly difficult.
Disabling Conditions: The disabling conditions that contribute to chronic homelessness often include serious mental illness, chronic substance use disorders, or physical disabilities. When these conditions intersect with racial disparities in healthcare access and treatment, individuals can fall through the cracks, making it harder to exit chronic homelessness.

Unaccompanied Youth Experiencing Homelessness

The issue of youth homelessness, particularly for young people aged 18-24 who are not accompanied by a parent or guardian, is a critical concern. These young individuals often face unique challenges, including aging out of foster care, family conflict, and abuse.

Racial Demographics: LGBTQ+ youth and youth of color, particularly Black youth, are significantly overrepresented in the unaccompanied homeless youth population. For Black LGBTQ+ youth, the intersection of racism and homophobia or transphobia within their families and communities can lead to rejection and homelessness. These young people often lack the resources and support networks necessary to find stable housing and pursue education or employment.
Specific Vulnerabilities: Unaccompanied homeless youth are at higher risk of exploitation, trafficking, and engagement in survival behaviors. Their lack of adult guidance and support makes them extremely vulnerable to dangerous situations. Addressing this requires specialized interventions that focus on safety, trauma-informed care, and pathways to independence.

Addressing Homelessness: A Multifaceted Approach

Understanding which race has the most homeless people is only the first step. The real work lies in developing and implementing effective strategies to combat homelessness, with a particular focus on addressing the racial disparities that are so evident in the data.

1. Housing First Models

The “Housing First” approach is widely recognized as one of the most effective strategies for addressing chronic homelessness. This model prioritizes providing permanent, affordable housing to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, without preconditions such as sobriety or treatment compliance. Support services are then offered voluntarily.

How it Works:
- Rapid Placement: The primary goal is to move individuals into housing as quickly as possible.
- Voluntary Support Services: Once housed, individuals are offered access to services like mental healthcare, substance use treatment, job training, and case management. Participation is not mandatory, recognizing that stability in housing can make individuals more receptive to services.
- Focus on Independence: The ultimate aim is to empower individuals to achieve long-term stability and self-sufficiency.
Why it’s Effective: Housing provides a stable foundation from which individuals can address other challenges in their lives. Studies have consistently shown that Housing First programs are highly successful in reducing homelessness, improving health outcomes, and decreasing the use of costly emergency services. For disproportionately affected groups, it offers a pathway to dignity and stability that might otherwise be unattainable due to systemic barriers.

2. Investing in Affordable Housing

A critical component of any effective strategy is a significant investment in the creation and preservation of affordable housing units. This involves:

Increasing Housing Stock: Developing new affordable housing projects and incentivizing developers to include affordable units in market-rate developments.
Rental Assistance Programs: Expanding programs like Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) to ensure that more low-income individuals and families can afford market-rate rents.
Preserving Existing Affordable Housing: Protecting existing affordable housing from market pressures that can lead to gentrification and displacement.
Zoning Reform: Reforming restrictive zoning laws that limit the development of diverse housing types, including multi-family dwellings and smaller units, which can often be more affordable.

This is a long-term solution that requires sustained political will and significant financial commitment. Without an adequate supply of affordable housing, even the best support services will struggle to make a lasting impact.

3. Addressing Systemic Inequities

To truly tackle the disproportionate impact of homelessness on Black communities, we must actively work to dismantle the systemic barriers that have contributed to this crisis.

Economic Empowerment:
- Job Training and Placement: Creating targeted programs that provide job training, skill development, and placement assistance for individuals from marginalized communities, with a focus on living-wage jobs.
- Support for Small Businesses: Encouraging entrepreneurship and providing resources for Black-owned businesses can help build wealth within these communities.
- Fair Wages: Advocating for and implementing policies that ensure a living wage can lift individuals and families out of poverty and reduce their risk of housing instability.
Criminal Justice Reform:
- Ending Discriminatory Practices: Reforming policing practices that disproportionately target minority communities and addressing racial bias within the court system.
- Decriminalizing Poverty: Reconsidering laws that criminalize behaviors associated with homelessness, such as loitering or sleeping in public spaces.
- Re-entry Programs: Providing robust support services for individuals re-entering society after incarceration, including housing assistance, job placement, and access to social services.
Education Equity: Investing in quality education from early childhood through higher education in underserved communities can break cycles of poverty and create pathways to opportunity.
Healthcare Access: Ensuring equitable access to comprehensive physical and mental healthcare, including culturally competent services, is vital. This includes addressing disparities in insurance coverage and the availability of treatment options.

4. Targeted Support Services

Beyond housing, providing comprehensive and culturally competent support services is essential.

Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment: Expanding access to affordable, evidence-based mental health and substance use treatment, with services tailored to the specific needs and cultural backgrounds of individuals.
Trauma-Informed Care: Recognizing that many individuals experiencing homelessness have experienced significant trauma, services should be delivered through a trauma-informed lens, prioritizing safety, trust, and empowerment.
Case Management: Providing individualized case management to help individuals navigate complex systems, access resources, and develop personalized plans for stability.
Community Building: Fostering a sense of community and belonging for individuals experiencing homelessness through support groups and social engagement can combat isolation and promote well-being.

My Perspective: A Call for Empathy and Action

Witnessing the scale of homelessness and understanding its disproportionate impact on Black communities is a profoundly sobering experience. It compels me to move beyond statistics and see the human beings behind the numbers. I’ve spoken with individuals who have lost everything due to circumstances beyond their control – job loss, sudden illness, family breakdown – and the common thread is often a lack of a robust safety net and the persistent effects of systemic disadvantage. It’s easy to judge from afar, but when you hear a person’s story, when you see the hope flicker in their eyes when they are offered a helping hand, you understand that this is a shared human problem that requires a shared human response.

The question of “which race has the most homeless people” should not be a point of division or blame, but a call to action. It highlights where our society has fallen short and where our efforts must be most concentrated. It’s about recognizing the legacy of injustices that have created these disparities and committing to creating a future where housing is a fundamental right, not a privilege, and where every individual has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their race or background.

The conversations I’ve had with people working on the front lines of homelessness – shelter staff, outreach workers, policy advocates – have consistently reinforced the idea that solutions must be holistic. They must address not only the immediate need for shelter but also the underlying causes of housing instability. This includes economic opportunity, access to healthcare, and a commitment to racial equity. We cannot afford to be complacent. The continued overrepresentation of Black individuals among the homeless population is a moral and societal failure that demands our urgent and sustained attention.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Why are Black people disproportionately represented among those experiencing homelessness in the U.S.?

The disproportionate representation of Black people experiencing homelessness in the U.S. is not due to any inherent characteristic of the race itself, but rather a complex legacy of deeply entrenched systemic racism and its ongoing consequences. For centuries, Black communities have faced discriminatory practices in housing, employment, education, and the justice system. These historical disadvantages have created persistent wealth and income gaps, limiting access to stable housing and creating vulnerabilities that make individuals and families more susceptible to homelessness.

Specifically, historical practices like redlining systematically denied Black families the opportunity to build generational wealth through homeownership, concentrating poverty and limiting access to resources in certain neighborhoods. Even after these practices were outlawed, their effects continue to be felt. Today, Black individuals often face higher rates of unemployment, work in lower-paying jobs, and encounter ongoing discrimination in the rental and housing markets. Furthermore, involvement with the criminal justice system, to which Black individuals are disproportionately subjected, can create significant barriers to securing employment and housing, trapping individuals in a cycle of instability.

In essence, the overrepresentation is a direct indicator of the ongoing inequities that Black communities navigate. It underscores the need for targeted interventions that address not only the symptoms of homelessness but also the root causes rooted in historical and present-day systemic discrimination.

Q2: What are the most effective strategies for addressing racial disparities in homelessness?

Addressing racial disparities in homelessness requires a multi-pronged approach that tackles both the immediate needs of individuals and the systemic issues that create and perpetuate these disparities. Some of the most effective strategies include:

Implementing and Expanding Housing First Programs: The Housing First model prioritizes providing permanent, stable housing without preconditions. This approach has proven highly effective for all populations, including those disproportionately affected by homelessness. By providing a stable foundation, individuals are better equipped to address other challenges like mental health issues, substance use, and employment barriers. Ensuring that these programs are culturally competent and accessible to Black individuals is paramount.
Investing in Affordable Housing Development and Preservation: A critical component is increasing the supply of affordable housing units, particularly in communities with high costs of living. This includes supporting the development of new affordable housing projects, preserving existing affordable units, and expanding rental assistance programs like Housing Choice Vouchers. Policies that promote equitable development and prevent displacement are also crucial.
Targeted Economic Empowerment and Employment Programs: Developing and funding job training, skill-building, and placement programs that specifically target individuals from marginalized communities, with a focus on connecting them to living-wage employment opportunities. This can help close the wealth and income gaps that contribute to housing instability.
Criminal Justice Reform: Addressing the disproportionate impact of the criminal justice system on Black communities is essential. This includes reforming policing practices, reducing incarceration rates, and implementing robust re-entry programs that provide housing assistance, job support, and access to social services for formerly incarcerated individuals. Decriminalizing behaviors associated with homelessness is also vital.
Equitable Access to Healthcare and Mental Health Services: Ensuring that Black individuals have equitable access to comprehensive physical and mental healthcare, including culturally competent and trauma-informed services, is critical. Addressing disparities in insurance coverage and treatment availability can help individuals manage health conditions that may contribute to homelessness.
Community-Based Solutions and Advocacy: Supporting community-led organizations that are deeply rooted in the communities they serve can be highly effective. These organizations often have a deeper understanding of local needs and can build trust more easily. Advocacy for policies that promote racial equity and address systemic discrimination is also essential at local, state, and federal levels.

These strategies must be implemented with a deliberate focus on racial equity, ensuring that resources and interventions are directed to where the need is greatest and that the voices of those most affected are centered in the decision-making process.

Q3: How does the intersection of race and other factors like gender or disability affect homelessness?

The intersection of race with other factors like gender, disability, sexual orientation, and age creates unique vulnerabilities and exacerbates the risk of homelessness for certain groups. This concept, known as intersectionality, highlights how overlapping systems of oppression can lead to compounded disadvantages.

Race and Gender: Black women, for example, often face a double burden of racism and sexism. They may experience wage gaps and employment discrimination, coupled with societal expectations and responsibilities that disproportionately fall on women, particularly single mothers. This can make it incredibly challenging to afford housing and maintain stability, especially when facing single parenthood. The rates of family homelessness are significantly higher among Black single mothers.
Race and Disability: Individuals with disabilities are at a higher risk of homelessness across all racial groups. However, for Black individuals with disabilities, the challenges are amplified. They may face discrimination in both the healthcare system (limiting access to necessary treatments or assistive devices) and the employment sector. Furthermore, historical underinvestment in accessible infrastructure and support services can make it harder for Black individuals with disabilities to secure and maintain stable housing.
Race and LGBTQ+ Status: Black LGBTQ+ youth, in particular, are disproportionately represented among unaccompanied homeless youth. They often face rejection from their families due to a combination of racism and homophobia or transphobia. Lacking the support of family, these young people are more vulnerable to exploitation, trafficking, and dangerous living situations. The pathways to independent living and stability are often significantly more challenging for them.
Race and Age (Youth Aging Out of Foster Care): Black youth who age out of the foster care system are at a significantly higher risk of homelessness. They often leave the system with limited resources, inadequate life skills training, and without a strong support network. The systemic issues that led to their entry into foster care, coupled with racial disparities in opportunities post-foster care, contribute to this heightened vulnerability.

Recognizing these intersections is crucial for developing effective interventions. Blanket solutions may not adequately address the specific needs of these multiply marginalized groups. Therefore, programs and policies must be designed with a deep understanding of intersectionality to provide truly equitable and impactful support.

Q4: What role does housing discrimination play in the disproportionate rates of homelessness among Black communities?

Housing discrimination plays a significant and ongoing role in the disproportionate rates of homelessness among Black communities, even in the presence of fair housing laws. While overt discriminatory practices like refusing to rent to someone based solely on race are illegal, subtler forms of discrimination persist and have a profound impact:

Subtle Bias in Rental and Sales Markets: Landlords and real estate agents may exhibit implicit biases that influence their decisions. This can manifest as offering fewer desirable units to Black renters, steering them towards specific neighborhoods (often those with fewer resources or opportunities), or discouraging them from applying for certain properties. Even when policies appear neutral, discriminatory outcomes can occur.
“No-Cause” Evictions and Rental Scrutiny: In many areas, landlords can evict tenants with little notice or reason (“no-cause” evictions). This power can be wielded in ways that disproportionately affect Black renters, especially if landlords are prone to racial bias or if Black renters are less likely to be aware of their tenant rights or have the resources to challenge an eviction. Landlords may also apply stricter scrutiny to applications from Black individuals, even when they have comparable financial profiles.
Impact on Credit and Background Checks: Historical economic disadvantages mean that Black individuals may have lower credit scores or face challenges in obtaining positive rental history due to systemic barriers. While credit and background checks are intended to be objective, they can inadvertently perpetuate the effects of past discrimination, leading to denials for housing that is otherwise affordable.
Geographic Segregation and Concentrated Disadvantage: Decades of housing discrimination have led to significant residential segregation, concentrating poverty and limiting access to opportunities in predominantly Black neighborhoods. This geographic disadvantage can lead to under-resourced schools, fewer job opportunities, and limited access to essential services, all of which increase housing insecurity.
Lack of Affordable Housing Options in Desirable Areas: Even when Black individuals have the financial means to afford housing, they may still struggle to find affordable options in areas with good schools, safe environments, and ample job opportunities. This limited access to desirable neighborhoods further compounds the problem.

Addressing housing discrimination requires robust enforcement of fair housing laws, comprehensive training for housing providers, and policies that promote equitable access to housing opportunities across all neighborhoods. It also necessitates addressing the underlying economic factors that make individuals more vulnerable to the impacts of discrimination.

Q5: How can communities better support Black individuals and families experiencing homelessness?

Supporting Black individuals and families experiencing homelessness effectively requires a deep understanding of the systemic issues at play and a commitment to culturally relevant and equitable interventions. Here are some key ways communities can improve their support:

Prioritize Culturally Competent Services: Ensure that shelters, outreach programs, and housing providers employ staff who understand and respect the cultural backgrounds, lived experiences, and specific needs of the Black community. This includes providing mental health services that are sensitive to historical trauma and cultural nuances.
Invest in Housing Solutions that Address Systemic Barriers: Beyond general affordable housing, focus on initiatives that directly counteract historical disadvantages. This could include targeted rental assistance programs for Black families, down payment assistance programs to build generational wealth, and policies that actively combat housing discrimination.
Strengthen Economic Opportunity and Workforce Development: Implement and expand job training and placement programs that lead to living-wage jobs. Partner with businesses to create equitable hiring practices and support Black entrepreneurship. Providing financial literacy education can also be instrumental.
Reform the Criminal Justice System’s Impact on Housing: Advocate for reforms that reduce racial disparities in policing and sentencing. Support robust re-entry programs that include dedicated housing assistance and case management for formerly incarcerated Black individuals to prevent them from falling into homelessness.
Support Youth-Focused Interventions: Develop specialized programs for Black youth experiencing homelessness, particularly LGBTQ+ youth. These programs should offer safe housing, mental health support, educational opportunities, and life skills training in an environment that affirms their identity and experiences.
Engage Community Leaders and Organizations: Partner with established Black community leaders, faith-based organizations, and advocacy groups. These entities often have deep trust within the community and can help connect individuals to services and advocate for policy changes.
Address Health Disparities: Improve access to affordable and culturally competent healthcare, including mental health and substance use treatment, specifically for Black individuals. This could involve mobile clinics, community health workers, and partnerships with local health providers.
Listen and Empower: Crucially, actively listen to the voices and experiences of Black individuals and families who have experienced or are experiencing homelessness. Empower them to be part of the solution by including them in planning and decision-making processes.

Ultimately, supporting Black individuals and families requires a commitment to racial justice and equity woven into every aspect of homelessness services and policy. It’s about acknowledging past harms and actively working to create a future where housing security is a reality for everyone.

Which Race Has the Most Homeless People: Understanding the Complex Landscape of Homelessness in America