Assessing Racial Heterogeneity in "Housing First" Supports' Effectiveness among Older Adults Experiencing Homelessness: Evidence from Los Angeles County.

Abstract

Background and objectives: Just as the U.S. population is aging and racially diversifying, housing prices are spiking. These conditions could spur a homelessness crisis among older adults of color. Although researchers have examined racial stratification and age-based differences in homelessness risk, separately, few studies probe whether age and race interact to render older adults of color more vulnerable to repeated episodes of homelessness than younger adults and older White adults. Fewer still have considered whether and why "Housing First" interventions (e.g., rapid rehousing/RRH, permanent supportive housing/PSH) are disproportionately effective- or ineffective- in reducing this risk for older adults of color.

Research design and methods: Using individual-level data from Los Angeles County's Homelessness Management Information System, tracking Continuum of Care (CoC) services received between 2013 and 2019, we show how race and age jointly shape the risk of receiving additional CoC homelessness services after an initial CoC service. Linear probability models reveal whether PSH and RRH disproportionately reduce this risk for Black versus White older adults.

Results: Our analyses indicate an age-race interaction, whereby Black adults aged 55-64 exhibit the highest risk of receiving additional CoC homelessness services after an initial service. PSH disproportionately reduces this risk for Black older adults.

Discussion and implications: We conclude that "Housing First" interventions may hold particular promise for older adults of color, perhaps because these groups sort into more effective programs, on average. Future research on aging and housing should highlight heterogeneity and consider program sorting processes as a potential explanation for it.