Unemployment and It’s Relation to Homelessness

The purpose of this story map is to analyze the relation between unemployment and homelessness. By understanding past policies and the significance of socioeconomical status, we can analyze how these aspects have influenced the correlation between unemployment and homelessness. Through analyzing the data collected, we can conclude that there is an increase in unemployment among the homeless population. One notable cause is that social services only address half of the problem. For unemployment and homelessness to decrease, housing policies must also provide resources such as employment training. 

Homelessness and unemployment are an issue that is dealt with across various parts of the country, predominantly in cities. These issues are far more complex than they may appear to be. For this reason, it is important to note the various factors that lead to the cause and growth of homelessness. To understand homelessness, we must first view it through a national level. The National Alliance to End Homelessness stated that the overall growth of homelessness appears to be gradually declining. However, there was a slight increase in homelessness between 2017 and 2018. Nonetheless the number of individuals that face homelessness is still overwhelmingly large (Leins. 2019). It is important to understand how homelessness is measured in the country. Homelessness is divided into four main categories which consist of: 1) lacking a fixed structured nightly residence, 2) entering risk of homelessness, 3) individuals below the age of 25 who do not have a consistent residence and are relocating at least twice within a 60 day period, and 4) individuals fleeing from domestic violence and no longer have a place to reside. Apart from these attributes there are additional factors taken into consideration as well. Factors such as, multiple families and individuals living in a confined space and individuals living in unconventional locations (Leins. 2019). When looking into the demographics of homelessness the research shows that approximately 700,000 youth experience homelessness each year as a result of a neglect, abuse, or conflict. In addition, African Americans, males, and veterans also dominate the statistics (Leins. 2019). Homelessness is a national issue which requires extensive research before solutions can be set in place. With an understanding of what homelessness looks like on a national scale, we are able to focus how it varies among states. 

California is one of the states which has a high concentration in homelessness. Research states that approximately  24% of the homelessness population reside in California. Though other states also have high concentrations of homelessness, California holds the highest percentage (Leins. 2019). In addition, California also has one of the highest percentages of chronic homelessness in the country. Meaning that there is a significant number of individuals who obtain a disability and have been homeless for at least a year or have been frequently homeless (Leins. 2019). State polices and regulations direct the status of homelessness. When looking at the homelessness statistics in California, we can see that there are large concentrations in the cities. 

Los Angeles in particular is a city that has an overwhelming homeless issue. The lack of affordable housing is in correlation to the increase in homelessness. As a result, the lack of proper services for homeless individuals can cause a cycle for unemployment and homelessness.  It should be noted that the average individual earning minimum wage would not be able to afford a standard living space (Leins. 2019). Without a livable wage, individuals can find it increasing difficult to live in an area, much less to find an employment that will sustain their needs. As areas undergo development, so do the jobs within those areas, making it increasingly more difficult for individuals to become employed. By understanding the current climate around homelessness and unemployment, we will be able to analyze how such problems arose due to historical events. 

Homelessness and employment are public issue which have a greater correlation than it may appear. While many proposed solutions have been attempted, homelessness continues to be a nationwide issue. One method that attempts to combat homelessness is the Housing First programs. Through these programs, they ultimately aim to end homelessness. The literature states, “ “Housing First” programs are based on the belief that problems a homeless individual or family faces cannot be solved until they are no longer living in the street or a crowded shelter” (CQ Research. 2016, p. 207).These programs emphasize the idea that housing should be a human right. Regardless of a person’s situation, housing should be accessible to everyone. Individuals cannot properly function and manage their lives without a place of residency first. However, critics argue that housing is not the only necessary attribute. Giving individuals a place to live only solves part of the problem, they also need to be provided with resources that will prepare them to maintain their residencies. Meaning that’s resources such as job training are vital to help individuals organize their life and aid them in becoming finically stable. This is where unemployment comes into play. An individual cannot move up the social ladder if they are not employed. These arguments both state valid arguments towards the reduction of homelessness and accessibility to housing. However, it is important to note how historical events have led to an increase in homelessness and as a result increased the unemployment rates. 

            There have been many government issues and policies that have resorted in the housing discrimination of minority groups. Perhaps the most notable government issued policy was redlining. Redlining was how the federal government determined the worth and value of various neighborhoods and areas across the country. They distinguished these areas by color coding their geographical locations. Areas deemed green were the best locations to invest in, whereas red areas were considered “poor” or areas that would not benefit investments. Ultimately this policy led to a long-lasting effect in housing discrimination and even wealth inequality. Neighborhoods that were deemed green were predominately, if not entirely, white and wealthy. Unlike green areas, red areas were predominately, if not entirely, black and Hispanic. The value of areas increased the further they were from minority dominated areas. Likewise, if an area were to experience an increase in minority populations, then their value would lessen. The concept of classifying areas as red was deemed as redlining. Ultimately, redlining discouraged banks from approving loans to people of color because they did not want to invest in a poor area. This prevented people of color from accumulating wealth and property, thereby forcing many into a renter-based lifestyle in said areas. Although this policy was later challenged and deemed unequal, the oppression and long-lasting effect were already established. For generations, people of color were set back from obtaining housing equality; something their white counterparts did not experience. By this point there was already an unequal distribution of wealth among races. 

            Though attempts have been made to reduce the negative effects of redlining, the damage is still prevalent. Concepts such as displacement and gentrification have caused these areas to undergo development. As a result, these areas are now left with individuals who are forced to move out of their area and potentially lose their jobs within said areas. With an increase in unemployment, the rise of homeless is also a direct result.  The existing literature is important in order to analyze how it set in motion a series of events which influenced the growth and increase of homelessness and unemployment.

Skid Row Homeless Encampment Survey March 2020

This database was personally collected by the students from Professor Manley’s 3300-01 Social Issues Urban Settings Class, including myself.  We measured the attributes by filling out a survey for each encampment located in Sid Row, Los Angeles. (Appendix A) . The date was collected over a few days within the month of March 2020. In groups, the students visited the fieldwork together and collected the data by filling out the survey for each encampment spotted. 

Skid Row Homeless Survey Census Blocks 

This database was collected by running the “Aggregate Points” solution. The points created from the “Skid Row Homeless Encampment Survey March 2020” were aggregated to the ‘Downtown  Los Angeles Census Blocks”. 

Los Angeles Skid Row Services 

The database was collected by recording the amount and types of health and housing services near Skid Row in Los Angeles. 

Clusters

All clusters in the data were created by running the “Find Point Clusters” solution for “Sid Row Homeless Encampment Survey March 2020. 

2019 USA Unemployment Rate 

The database presents the unemployment rate in the United States in 2019 throughout the entire country. For the purpose of this paper, the data was narrowed down to only displaying the Los Angeles County. The data represents 1) the unemployment rate, 2) the population count of individuals over the age of 16 within the work field, 3) the count of employed and unemployed civil population, measured at over the age of 16. The database is gathered from the 2010 Census.

The data shows the homeless population density gathered from the census survey portrayed in blocks in regard to the Skid Row area in Los Angeles. We can see that there is higher concentration of individuals near the CBD. 

When incorporating the types of services within Skid Row, we can see that the census count points with higher concentrations are located within proximity of these services, These services are provided for individuals who do not have an income that can be used to attain these services.

When analyzing the data gathered from the skid row homeless encampment survey for March 2020, we can distinguish the locations where every encampment recorder are located. We can see that there seems to be a large concentration of individuals within proximity of services. This once again implies that these individuals do not have a sufficient income or employment. 

When analyzing hot spots for the attribute of two person tent encampments, we can see that there is a large concentration among the same census blocks that were high in count points.  Also these hotspots show that there is a higher concentration surrounding the services in skid row, as shown in previous maps. It should be noted, the hotspot’s coldest points by comparison appear to be those which are further away from the locations of the services. However, it should be noted that it appears that the strongest points in the hot spot appear to be closest to the health and homeless shelter services. The hotspot is not as strong near the locations of single room occupancy apartments services, this could be because the hotspot is focused on two person tent occupants.

When analyzing the cluster for two person occupied tents, we can see that there are large concentrations around the previously mentioned areas as well as what appears to be  busier streets or main streets. 

When analyzing the cluster for canopy shelters, we can see that there is a lack of clusters. Meaning that they are scattered throughout the skid row area. This could indicate that canopy’s could require more maintenance to upkeep. 

When analyzing the cluster for blanket for the direct contact with sidewalk attribute, we can see that there are a significant amount of clusters located throughout the skid row area. However, most seem to be located near a service establishment.  

When analyzing the cluster for the attribute items located near encampment with a focus on garbage bags. We can see that while garbage bags are found throughout skid row, there is not a particular cluster found. This can imply that individuals may not hold many possession in which they would require garbage bags to store them in. 

When analyzing the cluster for the attribute Gender with a focus on females, we can see that women were found throughout skid row. However, there was not a particular cluster of women recorded. It should be noted, that it is possible that the number of women residing in skid row can be much higher than recorded. This could be because women could have been inside their encampments or had been outside of the area when the data was collected. It should also be noted that there seems to be a notable number of women residing near the services. 

When analyzing the 2019 USA Unemployment Rate with a focus on the Los Angeles County, we can see that rates of unemployment are high in the Skid Row area. This correlates with the data gathered. Particularly, the rates of unemployment seem to be high near the CBD, which is the location in which Skid Row is near to. 

By analyzing the 2019 Unemployment rates we were able to see how it has a direct relation to homelessness. Skid Row provides services for needed assistance; this attracts the homeless population to skid row. As a result, homeless individuals choose to reside in Skid Row because of its close proximity to said services. However, even homeless individuals who perhaps do not qualify for these services still choose to reside in skid row, this could be because larger populations attract more individuals. Due to the high levels of unemployment within these areas, it is safe to assume that these individuals do not have the income to sustain a reliable lifestyle within the Los Angeles City. With the increasing rates of homelessness, we can assume that there are not enough employment options that these individuals can obtain. 

Unemployment and homelessness are dominating issues in not only Los Angeles, but various parts of the country. Though the findings, we have discovered that homeless individuals require much assistance in order to move up the social ladder. However, as a result, social service locations tend to be hotspots for homeless individuals to reside in. The literature mentions the concept of “Housing First”, this method may in fact be a useful aspect to combat and eliminate homelessness. However, just as the literature states, providing housing is not enough, additional resources must be provided as well. The issue being that homelessness is not the only problem that these individuals are facing, they are also facing unemployment. It would be nearly impossible for an individual who has obtained affordable housing to be able to maintain said house without a stable income. Therefore, many individuals have a high risk of becoming homeless once again. Not only that, but with the high rates of unemployment, many homeless individuals are not eligible to qualify for affordable housing. Affordable housing regulations require applicants to make a certain income, one that many homeless individuals do not have. Making it impossible for them to even utilize the prospect of affordable housing. Future polices should acknowledge the disadvantages that past events have created towards marginalized groups. By understanding how these events have shaped the lack of capital these groups have experienced, there can be in increase in efficiency and progress. Not only that, but they must take into account how development and displacement pressures affect the livelihoods of individuals. Mandating rent control polices and creating more affordable housing units is only the beginning. Nonetheless it is important to continue the research and methods proposed to combat the growth of homelessness. These individuals are people and deserve the respect and wellbeing or any other individual. The city, state, and county, need to provide assistance to these individuals especially because they are practically responsible for their situation. 

Arcgis.Com.http://lahubcom.maps.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=623d7beda9e1479eb293c0295e504622 

CQ Press. (2016). Urban issues: selections from Cq Researcher. Washington, D.C. cite the chapters 

Leins, C. (2019). Source: 10 Facts About Homelessness in the U.S.