How Homelessness Affects Minnesotans at All Stages of Life Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless Annual Conference Presented by Michelle Decker Gerrard & Greg Owen Wilder Research September 13, 2018

Delve into details about special populations across the age span Our goal today Present characteristics about people experiencing homelessness in Minnesota Delve into details about special populations across the age span Discuss how these findings inform planning and impact programs and services

Overview of the Minnesota Homeless Study (2015)

Study background Statewide study has been conducted every three years since 1991 Trained volunteer interviewers Last conducted on October 22, 2015: 45 minute interviews in 300 shelters and programs; translated into Spanish and Somali Outreach locations in 50+ cities, towns, and outlying areas

Homelessness in Minnesota: One-night count Source: 2015 Fact sheet, Single night count. Wilder Research, 2015 Statewide Homeless Survey

Homelessness in Minnesota by age group Children age 17 and younger with their parents Unaccompanied youth ages 24 and younger Adults 25-54 Older adults ages 55+ 9% 35% 39% 16% Wilder Research, 2015 Statewide Homeless Survey

5 reasons people are homeless

Homeless adults with full-time jobs 26% in 2000 vs. 6% in 2009 vs. 14% in 2015 1 Lack of employment Source: Trends and characteristics fact sheet; 2015 employment data tables After reaching a low-point in 2009, employment rates are up somewhat. The median length of time unemployed is unchanged from 2012. 2009 6%. Transportation: Most common modes of transit were city/local bus (56%) light rail (33%) car (own or someone else’s) (31%) Men are more likely to use public transit and bicycles, women are more likely to use a car Car and bike use are more common in greater MN (47% and 15%, respectively) than in the metro (23% and 8%). Barriers to transportation: 32% say the cost to ride prevents them from using transit 24% say service is not available at times they need it (30% in greater MN) 19% say service not available near them (27% in greater MN) 17% say confusion about service schedules prevents them from using public transit Wilder Research, 2015 Statewide Homeless Survey

Median length of time unemployed 7 months in 2000 vs. 16 months in 2009 vs. 23 months in 2015 1 Lack of employment Source: Trends and characteristics fact sheet; 2015 employment data tables After reaching a low-point in 2009, employment rates are up somewhat. The median length of time unemployed is unchanged from 2012. 2000 7 months Wilder Research, 2015 Statewide Homeless Survey

2 46% of homeless adults On wait list for subsidized housing There is not enough affordable housing Source: Trends and characteristics fact sheet. Wait list is up from 41% in 2012; can’t get on wait list is down from 15%. Median wait time = 4 months, Average wait time = 11 months Can’t get on a waiting list because it is closed Another 14% Wilder Research, 2015 Statewide Homeless Survey

Twin Cities metro incomes of homeless adults vs. housing costs 2 There is not enough affordable housing Median income: $550 per month Source: Trends and characteristics fact sheet . Median income is up from $381 in 2009. Fair Market Rent for 1 BR is $796 Median rent: $950 per month Wilder Research, 2015 Statewide Homeless Survey

3 Chronic health conditions of homeless adults Serious mental illness 3,333 (60%*) Chronic health conditions 2,851 (51%) Substance abuse disorder 1,153 (21%) None of these disabilities: 1,240 (22%) Many homeless people face obstacles to maintaining housing NEED TO RESIZE THE VENN DIAGRAM Mention TBI (30% of adults) MI ONLY 18% 986 CH ONLY 15% 820 SA ONLY 1% 83 CH + MI 24% 1339 SA + CH 1% 62 SA + MI 7% 379 CH + MI + SA 11% 629 NONE 22% 1240 Multiple 44% 2409   Wilder Research, 2015 Statewide Homeless Survey *This number should not be compared to the 2012 percentage for significant mental illness because anxiety or panic disorder was added to the 2015 survey.

Many homeless people face obstacles to maintaining housing 1 3 women 3 Nearly in Many homeless people face obstacles to maintaining housing Source: Trends and characteristics fact sheet. Up from 1 in 4 in 2012 ( 27%); youth and adult is similar (31%, 30%) left their last housing because of abuse Wilder Research, 2015 Statewide Homeless Survey

Many homeless people face obstacles to maintaining housing Been in jail or prison 3 Nearly 1 in 3 homeless adult women Many homeless people face obstacles to maintaining housing Source: 2015 detailed data table. Perhaps show men and women separately? Ever in correctional facility = 49% ; men= 63%, women= 30% Of those, in last 2 years: 41%; men=43%, women= 37% Nearly 2 in 3 homeless adult men Wilder Research, 2015 Statewide Homeless Survey

Homelessness is often preceded by childhood trauma and abuse 39% of adults were physically abused as a child 46% of youth were physically abused as a child 4 Homelessness is often preceded by childhood trauma and abuse Source: 2015 Trends and Characteristics fact sheet 2015 numbers are age 24 and younger 2012 (age 21 and younger): 58% had been in out-of-home placement; 55% had been abused or neglected Wilder Research, 2015 Statewide Homeless Survey

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Type of ACE Adults (age 18 or older) Youth (age 24 or younger) Physically abused as a child 39% 46% Sexually abused as a child 25% 30% Neglected as a child 19% 29% Out-of-home placements as a child (ever for youth)a 33% 61% During childhood, had a parent serve time in prison 18% 47% Witnessed abuse as a child 60% Lived with substance abuser as a child 50% Lived with parent/guardian with mental illness 37% 48% At least one of the above 74% 89%

5 5% of adults in Minnesota 39% of adult homeless population African Americans make up 5 There are ripple effects from discriminatory practices Source: 2015 Trends and characteristics fact sheet 2012 – overall percentage of population same (5%); 38% of homeless population. 5% of adults in Minnesota 39% of adult homeless population Wilder Research, 2015 Statewide Homeless Survey

There are ripple effects from discriminatory practices American Indians make up 5 There are ripple effects from discriminatory practices Source: 2015 Trends and characteristics fact sheets These numbers reflect non-reservation populations statewide; when reservation respondents are added to the calculations, American Indians make up 12% of homeless adults and 12% of homeless youth 2012: were also 1% of population is same – 1%; 2012 – 10% percent of homeless population. Similar for your youth – 1% of overall pop.; 9% of homeless 1% of adults in Minnesota 8% of adult homeless population Wilder Research, 2015 Statewide Homeless Survey

5 Disproportionately LGBTQ 9% are LGBQ (3.5% of U.S. population) Homeless adults 9% are LGBQ (3.5% of U.S. population) 1% are transgender (0.6% of MN population) Homeless youth are, too 17% of homeless youth (under 25) are LGBQ 2% are transgender There are ripple effects from discriminatory practices LGB rate also includes questioning (1.3% of adults, 1.6% of youth). Adult LGBT rate is 9% because most trans people also identify as LGB or Q. Youth LGBT rate is 18%. Proportion of U.S. population that’s LGB: http://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/Gates-How-Many-People-LGBT-Apr-2011.pdf Proportion of MN population that’s T: http://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/How-Many-Adults-Identify-as-Transgender-in-the-United-States.pdf Wilder Research, 2015 Statewide Homeless Survey

Seven trends in homelessness 2000 – 2015

1 Total number of homeless families The number of homeless families increased during the recession

Chronic health conditions of homeless adults 2 Mental health and physical health issues are increasing Source: Trends and characteristics fact sheet Physical and mental health issues are persistent and increasing among the homeless This trend line does not include anxiety and panic disorder (if included, the number is 60%); but “serious mental illness” still includes 6 diagnoses Wilder Research, 2015 Statewide Homeless Survey

3 Employment rates among homeless adults Employment is rebounding after the recession Wilder Research, 2015 Statewide Homeless Survey

SNAP use during the previous month SNAP use dropped for the first time 4 SNAP use dropped for the first time Wilder Research, 2015 Statewide Homeless Survey

5 Length of current homeless episode A higher proportion of homeless adults have been homeless longer Wilder Research, 2015 Statewide Homeless Survey

6 Homeless adults who have lived in Minnesota more than two years Homelessness is persistently home-grown Wilder Research, 2015 Statewide Homeless Survey

7 Proportion of homeless women fleeing abuse Women fleeing abuse are at their highest proportion Wilder Research, 2015 Statewide Homeless Survey

Children in families

Homeless parents reported the following: Children experiencing homelessness often have health and development problems 16% said their child had no dental care in the previous year 25% said they had a child with an emotional or behavioral problem 46% said they had a school- aged child with a learning problem 34% said their child had been a victim of bullying

Homeless youth on their own in Minnesota

Youth homelessness by the numbers 1,463 youth identified on night of 2015 study Youth on their own age 24 and younger are 16% of homeless population We estimate that 6,000 youth experience homelessness on any given night In 2015, the definition of “youth” expanded to age 24, so 2015 counts cannot be directly compared to previous studies Youth homelessness by the numbers

Location of homeless youth Greater Minnesota 7-county metro area Wilder Research, 2015 Statewide Homeless Survey

Demographics and background: Homeless youth 58% Female 18% LGBTQ 96% born in the United States 72% Grew up in Minnesota 73% Persons of color Wilder Research, 2015 Statewide Homeless Survey

KEY FINDINGS Youth homelessness Racial disparities are particularly glaring Many youth have children of their own 9 out of 10 youth had at least one adverse childhood experience, including trauma and abuse The majority of youth have serious health issues including mental health and chronic physical health problems

KEY FINDINGS Youth homelessness Youth are least likely to use shelters and many are long-term homeless Over half have experienced violence and exploitation related to their housing or homeless situation Compared to the general population of high school youth, minor youth experiencing homelessness have experienced some greater risk factors

Health issues: Homeless youth Significant mental illness Chronic physical health problems Substance Abuse Disorder Evidence of traumatic brain injury At least one of the above Wilder Research, 2015 Statewide Homeless Survey

Education and employment: Homeless youth 91% Of those under 18 were enrolled in school 42% were employed (30% for all adults) 68% Of those 19-24 had completed high school or a GED 16% were employed full-time Wilder Research, 2015 Statewide Homeless Survey

Youth: Experience with homelessness 47% homeless for at least a year 56% met the Minnesota definition of long-term homeless 47% couch hopped in the past month (October) 30% had stayed outside in the past month (October) 24% Turned away from shelter in the past month Wilder Research, 2015 Statewide Homeless Survey

Special populations: Youth parents 35% of youth are parents, 26% have children with them For female youth, 48% are parents, 41% have children with them Youth parents are more likely to be employed full- time (21% vs. 15% of non-parenting youth) Youth parents are more likely to be homeless at least a year (60% vs. 42%), and less likely to experience mental illness (49% vs. 60%) Youth parents most depend on SNAP (82%) and WIC (64%)

LGBTQ youth: Violence 73% were physically or sexually abused as a child (47% of other homeless youth) 48% have stayed in an abusive relationship due to lack of other housing options (30% of others) 30% have been physically or sexually attacked while homeless (16% of others) Patterns are similar for youth: - 73% of homeless LGBTQ youth were physically or sexually abused as a child (47% of other homeless youth) - 48% stayed in abusive relationship (30% of others) - 30% physically or sexually attacked while homeless (16% of others)

Who are the homeless older adults in MN?

Good news and bad news for older adults… Relatively small numbers of older adults are experiencing homelessness in MN Adults age 55 and older are 9% of homeless population

But the number is increasing... Up 48% from 2009 to 2012 and 8% from 2012 to 2015 777 526

Age distribution: Homeless older adults Wilder Research, 2015 Statewide Homeless Survey

Location of homeless older adults Greater Minnesota 7-county metro area Wilder Research, 2015 Statewide Homeless Survey

Demographics and background: Homeless older adults 73% Male 31% of men had served in the U.S. military 94% born in the United States 63% had lived in Minnesota for 20+ years 52% Persons of color Wilder Research, 2015 Statewide Homeless Survey

KEY FINDINGS Older adult homelessness Older adults are one of the fastest-growing groups of people experiencing homelessness Nearly all homeless adults are under age 75 The increasing number of homeless older adults with high rates of complex health conditions are cause for concern People of color make up half of homeless older adults; racial disparities are severe

KEY FINDINGS Older adult homelessness Nearly half of older adults did not become homeless until they were age 50 or older Most homeless older adults rely on public benefits Barriers related to criminal background or chemical dependency make it more difficult to obtain stable housing

Older adults experience with homelessness 60% homeless for at least a year 51% met the federal definition of chronic homelessness 30% homeless for the first time 39% had stayed outside in the past month (October) 42 Average age for first episode of homelessness Wilder Research, 2015 Statewide Homeless Survey

Health and well-being: Older adults Chronic health problems Are not taking required medications Need to see a professional about a physical health problem Need to see a dentist Wilder Research, 2015 Statewide Homeless Survey

Health and well-being: Older adults Serious mental health problems Cognitive difficulties Traumatic brain injury history Alcohol or drug abuse disorder Wilder Research, 2015 Statewide Homeless Survey

Health and well-being: Older adults 89% reported a serious or chronic disability that limits work or activities of daily living Reported physical, mental or other health conditions that limit their ability to work 61% make it hard to bathe, eat, get dressed, get in or out of bed, or get around 21% Wilder Research, 2015 Statewide Homeless Survey

Conclusions and considerations A few takeaways Conclusions and considerations

Conclusions Youth and families Lack of affordable housing Intervene early to break the cycle of homelessness Experiences of trauma Older adults Lack of affordable housing Need supports to keep them housed Serious health issues

Pathways in and out of homelessness Near homeless Homeless Non-shelter-using Emergency Transitional Risk factors Permanent housing

Potential intervention points: Prevention of homelessness Near homeless Homeless Non-shelter-using Emergency Transitional Risk factors Permanent housing Strengthen the safety net Mental and chemical health treatment Discharge planning Stabilize housing that is precarious Safety net: Affordable housing, EITC, rent subsidies, TANF, GA, job training, transportation, health care, child care Discharge planning: Help find housing for those leaving foster care, residential treatment, jail or prison Mental/chemical health treatment: More available, more affordable, culturally relevant For those precariously housed: Emergency rent, utilities, landlord/bank mediation

Potential intervention points: Rapid response to homelessness Near homeless Homeless Non-shelter-using Emergency Transitional Risk factors Permanent housing Immediate triage: identify needs, connect to resources Affordable / subsidized housing Community safety net services Immediate triage: Identify needs, connect with resources Placement in permanent or transitional housing with supports Availability of affordable or subsidized housing Availability of community "safety net" services wilderresearch.org

Potential intervention points: End long-term homelessness Near homeless Homeless Non-shelter-using Emergency Transitional Risk factors Permanent housing Outreach Treatment Variety of supportive housing Availability of affordable / subsidized housing Community safety net services NOTE THE SHO+ FINDING THAT PEOPLE ARE LESS LIKELY TO BECOME HOMELESS AGAIN IF THEY EXIT TO SUBSIDIZED HOUSING -- TH residents 68% no new episodes if subsidized, vs. 49% if unsubsidized Outreach Treatment Variety of subsidized and supported housing opportunities, including "low-demand" housing Market (unsubsidized) housing Single Room Occupancy (SRO) housing Group residential housing Tenant-based subsidized housing Project-based subsidized housing “Permanent” supportive housing, including “low-demand” housing Availability of community "safety net" services wilderresearch.org

Considerations How can case managers best identify and respond to these highly vulnerable populations differently of people experiencing homelessness? Where do we feel we are succeeding (and where are we failing) in supporting these populations?

Next Wilder MN Homeless Study October 25, 2018 Volunteer opportunities through Wilder Spreading the word to the homeless community Companion study on American Indian reservations

To learn more about homelessness in Minnesota go to: wilderresearch To learn more about homelessness in Minnesota go to: wilderresearch.org mnhomeless.org michelle.gerrard@wilder.org