Structural Determinants of Homelessness in the United States

Abstract

To correct previous researchers'almost exclusive emphasis on describing the size and personal characteristics of homeless individuals, this article reports on an empirical evaluation of the influence of several structural conditions on rates of homelessness in US. metropolitan areas. It is hypothesized that unavailability of low-cost housing , high poverty, poor economic conditions, concentrations of minorities and female-headed families, and insufficient mental health care for the indigent are determinants of high levels of homelessness. The results of a multivariate analysis show that the availability of low income housing and of mental health care are the strongest predictors. Relatively modest investments in improving availability of these services would provide considerable payoff in reducing homelessness.