By Natalia Rueda 
California faces a growing homelessness crisis, and a new study released on Tuesday by the University of California San Francisco has identified dramatic inequities within the homeless population. The report, entitled “The California Statewide Study of People Experiencing Homelessness” (CASPEH), found that the lack of affordable housing and poverty are driving the problem of homelessness, disproportionately affecting older adults of color.
According to the report, most of the people interviewed found themselves on the streets when they could no longer afford to keep up with the cost of housing. With an extremely low median monthly household income of $960 in the six months prior to becoming homeless, affordable housing options are limited. In addition, 47% of homeless adults are age 50 or older, suggesting that this is not a problem afflicting only young adults.
The study also dispelled the myth about homeless migration to California, showing that 90% of respondents had lost their last home within the state and 75% lived in the same county when they became homeless. Moreover, survey results revealed that most of the respondents believed that rent subsidies or financial assistance would have helped them avoid homelessness, yet these services were not available.
These individuals also experienced multiple forms of trauma throughout their lives, including substance use and deteriorating mental health. A shocking one in five people reported wanting substance abuse treatment but were unable to receive it.
The study has made a series of recommendations for California to improve access to affordable housing and other services. According to Margot Kushel, principal investigator of CASPEH, “the study’s findings reflect the untold personal costs of homelessness.” California must now work to ensure that all of its citizens have access to safe and suitable housing regardless of income or race.