What does this score mean?

A score of 100 represents racial equity, meaning there are no racial disparities in the outcomes between black and white populations. The lower the Equity Score, the greater the disparity.

For Homelessness, a score of 100 – a score reflecting racial equity – would mean black and white residents are equally likely to experience homelessness. It is important to note that for this indicator, equity is not our only goal; we also want to improve outcomes for all.

WHAT DOES THIS ANALYSIS MEAN?

Black residents in the region are nearly 11 times as likely to experience homelessness as white residents. In St. Clair County, the disparity was 14 times as much between white (0.1%) and black residents (1.4%). In St. Louis County, black residents were about seven times as likely to need emergency housing (0.5%) when compared to white residents (0.07%). In St. Charles County, black residents were 4.5 times as likely to be homeless (0.9%) when compared to their white counterparts (0.2%). In St. Louis City, black residents were nearly four times more likely to be in need of emergency shelter than white residents (0.03% relative to 0.009%).

If rates of homelessness were equitable, the number of black residents in need of emergency housing services would decrease by:

• 3,402 in the City of St. Louis,
• 11 in St. Charles County,
• 112 in St. Clair County, and
• 110 in St. Louis County.

Why Does Homelessness Matter?

Homelessness occurs when people lack safe, stable, and affordable housing. Research shows people who experience homelessness are more likely to have poor physical and mental health. Homeless individuals are more frequently hospitalized for physical and mental illness, as well as substance abuse. Housing instability makes it harder for people to manage their existing health issues, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and asthma. In addition, children experiencing homelessness are more likely to be chronically absent from school and perform lower on tests.

Which Calls to Action from the Ferguson Commission’s report are linked with this indicator?

The Ferguson Commission’s calls to action related to ending homelessness include:

• Build Healthy and Affordable Housing
• Strengthen the Community Reinvestment Act
• Expand the Statewide Housing Trust Fund
• End Shame and Stigma

Questions for Further Investigation:

• Why is there a racial disparity in Homelessness?
• What can St. Louis do to reduce racial disparities in Homelessness?
• What initiatives are currently underway to reduce racial disparities in Homelessness?

Homelessness Data