Determinants of Homelessness in Metropolitan Areas
Description:
Why do rates of homelessness differ across metropolitan contexts? Only tentative answers to this question are provided by previous investigations du to their reliance on a limited range of settings and independent variables. In an effort to be more comprehensive, we use 1990 Census S-Night data for 335 metropolitan areas to test explanations that stress the local housing market, economic conditions, demographic composition, the safety net, climate and community transience as potential determinants of homelessness. Our analysis uncovers support for each explanation. However, median rent level has the dominant effect (+) on metro homelessness rates, folowed by percentage of sing-person households (+). The robustness of these findings is demonstrated and their theoretical, methodogical, and policy implications are considered.
Type of Resource:
Journal
Publication Date:
2003
Volume:
25
Issue:
3
Pages:
335-355
Location:
Greenwich