Social & Racial equity publications

Summary: 

This research explores how service utilization in Domestic violence transitional housing (DVTH) programs is affected by geographic region, the distribution of resources, and demographic groups. It found that rural areas utilized services like court accompaniment, counseling and housing advocacy. Metropolitan, or non-rural areas, utilized a broader range of services, including case management, and legal support. Rural program had a higher percentage of white and native American clients, while urban areas had more Latino/a/x and Black clients. These results indicate a need to tailor services and regulations to your region and the unique challenges each community has.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Assess Service Gaps: Surveying survivors to determine what services they wish they could access could help identify service gaps in an area. This will help determine if the service utilization trends are because of higher need for those services, or a lack in availability of other types.

2. Address Legal Access Disparities: Survivors in  rural areas may face challenges accessing legal services. Agencies should consider expanding legal advocacy services or partnering with pro bono attorneys to help bridge the gap in legal resources for survivors. 

3. Collaborate Among Local Agencies: Urban areas often have a more diverse range of services that rural programs lack. Collaboration between agencies and local governments to share resources and advocate for funding could help fill these gaps in service provision, without adding to much additional strain on the regions resources.

Summary: 

This article addresses racial equity in homeless service provision, highlighting the challenges and strategies to achieve social equity in this context. The study introduces the Social Equity for Wicked Problems (SEWP) framework to help communities and policymakers design equitable solutions for providing services to homeless populations. This framework is particularly focused on addressing the racial disparities that exist within the homeless service system. 

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Social Equity Framework: The SEWP framework proposed in the study provides a structured approach to addressing racial inequities in homeless service provision. This framework can guide policymakers and service providers in creating fair and just solutions for all racial groups, ensuring that marginalized communities receive adequate support.

2. Racial Disparities in Services: The study emphasizes the significant racial disparities in access to and quality of homeless services. Black, Latino, and Indigenous populations often face systemic barriers that limit their access to necessary resources. Addressing these disparities is crucial for achieving overall social equity in homeless services.

3. Policy Implications: Implementing policies that specifically target racial equity in homeless services can lead to more effective and inclusive support systems. The research suggests that policymakers need to consider the unique challenges faced by different racial groups and tailor their approaches to meet these specific needs, promoting a more equitable distribution of resources and services.

Summary: 

This article explores the relationship between neighborhood violence and housing instability among low-income women. Using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, the researchers found that witnessing violence in the neighborhood is significantly associated with an increased risk of housing instability. The study also suggests that the presence of deadly gun shootings near the home indirectly contributes to housing instability through other mediating factors such as neighborhood safety and social cohesion. This exploratory study sheds light on the complex interplay between violence and housing challenges faced by low-income women. 

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Impact of Neighborhood Violence: Witnessing neighborhood violence is directly linked to higher risks of housing instability for low-income women. This connection underscores the broader social impacts of violence on community stability and individual housing security.

2. Indirect Effects of Gun Violence: While deadly gun shootings in proximity to homes are not directly linked to housing instability, they contribute indirectly by affecting neighborhood safety and social factors. This highlights the multifaceted nature of housing instability and the importance of considering various indirect influences.

3. Policy Implications: The findings suggest that addressing neighborhood violence could be an important component of housing stability interventions. Policies aimed at reducing violence and improving neighborhood safety could help mitigate housing instability for vulnerable populations, particularly low-income women.

Summary: 

The article investigates unsheltered homelessness, migration patterns, and access to shelters in Kentucky. Using a mixed-methods approach and county-level data, the study examines how migration affects homelessness and the barriers to accessing shelters. The research highlights that migration patterns significantly influence unsheltered homelessness and that many individuals face substantial obstacles when trying to access shelter services. 

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Migration and Homelessness: The study finds that migration patterns are closely linked to unsheltered homelessness. Individuals often move in search of better opportunities or due to adverse conditions in their original locations, which can result in increased homelessness if they fail to secure stable housing in new areas.

2. Barriers to Shelter Access: Many unsheltered individuals encounter significant barriers when trying to access shelters. These barriers include strict admission criteria, limited availability of beds, and logistical challenges such as transportation issues. Addressing these barriers is crucial for improving shelter access and reducing unsheltered homelessness.

3. Policy Implications: The findings suggest that policy interventions should focus on reducing barriers to shelter access and considering the impacts of migration on homelessness. This could involve creating more flexible shelter admission policies, increasing the capacity of shelters, and providing better support for individuals who migrate in search of housing.