An examination of housing interventions among youth experiencing homelessness: an investigation into racial/ethnic and sexual minority status

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 over time. 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.

Automated summary

This study examines the main and interaction effects of minority and multiple minority statuses on exits from homelessness and the stability of homelessness exits among youth. The findings suggest that black and Latinx youth are more likely to exit homelessness through incarceration and less likely to successfully self-resolve their homelessness. Additionally, black and Latinx youth are more likely to be lost to the homeless system and less likely to remain stably housed after returning to their families compared to white youth.