Increasing Latino Homelessness-What's Happening, Why, and What to Do About It

Chinchilla M, Moses J, Visotzky A. Increasing Latino Homelessness-What's Happening, Why, and What to Do About It. Los Angeles CA: National Alliance to End Homelessness; 2023 Jan 24. 13 p.

Introduction After more than two years of health, economic, and social impacts from COVID-19 that amplified existing inequalities, an alarming trend surfaced in the 2022 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count numbers: a steep rise in homelessness among Latinos in the United States. The pandemic may have greatly impacted housing stability among this population, with more Latinos entering homeless services and experiencing unsheltered homelessness than ever before. It must be noted that Latinos are far from a homogenous group and represent a diverse array of cultures, languages, and races, with varying acculturation and immigration statuses. That said, this brief analyzes data from the 2022 PIT Count, examines the factors leading to an increase in Latino homelessness, and looks towards policy solutions at the federal and local levels. It also notes program changes that local Continuums of Care (CoCs) and service providers can consider to better serve this unique population.