UTHealth Houston research reveal a disproportionate increase of homelessness among women in the U.S.

In an analysis of population data spanning five years from 2018 through 2022, researchers have uncovered significant trends in homelessness rates among various population groups, with a noteworthy rise in the number of women experiencing unsheltered homelessness. The study, recently published in Public Health Reports, utilized data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the findings shed light on the changing dynamics of homelessness among women, with a particular focus on female veterans.  

Led by Jack Tsai, PhD, professor and regional dean of UTHealth Houston School of Public Health in San Antonio, the study's key findings reveal that the rate of unsheltered homelessness among females in the general population increased by 25.1 percent, a figure that outpaces the increase in the general population's birth rates during the same period. The research also noted a 17.3 percent increase in unsheltered homelessness among males in the general population.  

There is not enough data to conclude the cause of this increase, however Tsai suggests changes in family units, rising costs of living, including housing, and job automations could be driving some of this increase.

“We don’t know for sure, but as the number of divorces and families that have broken up has increased over the past decade, some women have been negatively impacted," Tsai said. "Another factor may be that the nature of work has been changing, and many jobs are increasingly automated or are no longer needed, which may impact women disproportionately. These are speculations because we really aren’t sure.”   

Based on the article, there has been a 25 percent increase in the number of females who experience unsheltered homelessness from 2018-2022. The increase has been particularly dramatic in the veteran population, where there has been a disproportionate 26.3 percent increase in the proportion of females among all veterans experiencing unsheltered homelessness, a dramatic difference compared to the 12.2 percent increase in the proportion of females in the overall veteran population within the same time frame.  

When considering the cause of this disproportionate increase, Tsai suggested, “There has been an overall increase in women enrolling in the military. Similar to men, women who choose to enter the military may be more risk-taking, have more adverse childhood events, and possibly come from lower income households when compared to other women who don’t choose to enter the military. That means, women who choose to enter the military may have greater pre-military risk factors for homelessness than other women. The factors that negatively impact women overall may be exacerbated among women veterans for these reasons.” 

This research lends significant support for developing preventions and interventions for homelessness. People experiencing unsheltered homelessness tend to be homeless for longer periods of time and have more medical, mental health, and psychosocial needs than people experiencing sheltered homelessness. The research underscores the need to address the growing problem of unsheltered homelessness, particularly among women and, more so, among those who have served as veterans.  

According to Tsai's research, the call for enhanced prevention efforts is clear, with a spotlight on developing targeted strategies to support these vulnerable populations. The increase in unsheltered homelessness poses a complex challenge that requires multifaceted solutions, including policy changes, support services, and community-based interventions.