Native American Homelessness Research Paper

Words: 496
Pages: 2

Athena Chischilly-Dixon Ms. Henry English 4 23 April, 2024 Facing Native American Homelessness Homelessness among Native Americans is a complex issue deeply rooted in historical injustices, systemic discrimination, and socio-economic disparities. Despite being an integral part of American heritage, Native Americans face disproportionately high rates of homelessness compared to other racial and ethnic groups in the United States. This essay explores the underlying causes of Native American homelessness, highlights relevant statistics, and proposes the urgent need for comprehensive solutions. One significant factor contributing to Native American homelessness is the historical trauma inflicted upon indigenous communities through colonization, forced displacement, and the …show more content…
Economic marginalization, lack of access to quality education, and limited employment opportunities further exacerbate their vulnerability. The poverty rate among Native Americans is more than double the national average, with nearly 25% of Native Americans living below the poverty line. The lack of affordable housing in tribal communities, compounded by inadequate infrastructure and limited resources, leaves many Native Americans with few options for stable housing. In addition to socio-economic factors, institutional barriers hinder Native Americans' access to essential services and support systems. Tribal sovereignty issues often lead to jurisdictional complexities, creating gaps in service delivery and hindering coordination between tribal governments, state agencies, and federal programs. As a result, many Native Americans living on reservations or in urban areas fall through the cracks of existing social safety nets. According to a report by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Native Americans experience homelessness at a rate nearly four times higher than the national