Unhoused African Americans and LGBTQIA+ Youth: Disproportionately Overrepresented Groups in the Unhoused Population

Abstract

Over 75,000 individuals in Los Angeles County are unhoused, representing a crucial issue that needs to be addressed. In addition to stemming from a complex array of historical and societal factors, the unhoused population is further burdened by racial and identity-based inequities, with African Americans and LGBTQIA+ youth representing two disproportionally overrepresented groups in the unhoused population. Thus, more work must be conducted to uncover the systemic injustices that perpetuate homelessness and advocate for more equitable solutions. This analysis explores the historical antecedents leading up to the current housing crisis before drawing from evidence-based studies to frame a set of policy choices and recommendations to address the disproportionate number of homeless African American and LGBTQIA+ youth populations in Los Angeles. I discuss current approaches to resolving the homelessness problem before introducing and advocating for Housing First, an evidence-based approach that seeks to empower unhoused individuals by prioritizing housing from the beginning. Critically, I address specific challenges faced by unhoused African Americans and LGBTQIA+ youth, providing a framework for implementation and recommendations to address such disparities in housing more adequately. As with necessities like food, clothing, and fundamental rights to speech and freedom, housing is a human right.