HMIS6

RACE & ETHNICITY Black and Brown Disproportionate Among Aging Homeless

RACE RACE

71.6%

1,465

White

21.8%

447

Black

American Indian/ Alaska Native

2.0%

41

Unknown

1.3%

26

Black, multiracial, Hispanics/Latinxs are more likely to experience homelessness than whites, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness. Blacks and African Americans make up just 7% of Riverside County’s overall population, yet they accounted for one in every four unique aging individuals who accessed HMIS services over the past five years. In 2019, almost one in every four Aging Homeless Individuals in HMIS identified themselves as Hispanic or Latino, repre- senting a significant increase from one in five in 2015. Poverty is a strong predic- tor of the ability to maintain housing stability. More than one in five Black residents of Riverside County live in poverty. The 2020 coronavirus pandem- ic heightened health, economic and employment disparities in Riverside County’s communities of color. The Board of Supervisors responded in August by declaring that systemic racism causes persistent discrimination and disparities in housing, education, employment, transportation, criminal justice and health outcomes. Community builders, faith-based leaders, civic and nonprofit partners are developing culturally sensitive programs to address the diverse needs of local communities of color.

1.7%

34

Multi-Racial

0.9%

18

Asian

Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander

0.7%

15

ETHNICITY

1,562

76%

472

23%

12

Hispanic

Unknown

Non-Hispanic