Homelessness poses a significant health crisis in the U.S., with racial disparities complicating the issue. A study examined Black-to-White disparities in homelessness across 259 urban and suburban communities, highlighting that Black individuals are five times more likely to experience homelessness than their White counterparts, while Black families with children face an elevenfold increased risk. The research incorporated data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development along with community characteristics related to housing, economics, and education, as well as a measure of structural racism.

Findings revealed a strong correlation between higher Black-White disparities in homelessness and structural racism, particularly in areas of criminal justice, housing, and poverty. The study underscores the urgent need to address structural racism as a fundamental factor in mitigating homelessness and improving health equity. Variations in the severity of these disparities across communities suggest that localized approaches may be necessary for effective intervention.