February is Black History Month
The top of the Washington Monument and part of a U.S. flag are reflected in the sunglasses of Austin Clinton Brown, 9, of Gainesville, GA, as he poses at the Capitol where he joins others in the March on Washington, Aug. 28, 1963. (AP Photo)
How Homelessness Affects Black & African-American Communities
February is Black History Month. It is a time for celebration, a time of remembrance, and a special time of the year set aside to highlight and honor the Black and African-American communities for their undeniable contribution to society.
Black History Month is also a time in which we continue the collective conversation about how homelessness disproportionately affects Black and African-American communities.
Did you know?
In the United States, Black/African-Americans make up 13% of the overall general population, but more than 40% of the homeless population. source
In Los Angeles County, 35% of people experiencing homelessness are Black/African-American. In the City of Los Angeles, that number is 38%. source
Across the nation, homelessness is on the rise (+3% source). In Los Angeles County, that number is a staggering +13%, and +14% in The City of Los Angeles. source
According to The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), "L.A.'s inadequate housing supply, systemic racism, and income inequality are driving inflows to homelessness. Structural racism causes Black people to be 4x more likely to experience homelessness." source
What can we do?
Great efforts are being made to counter the racial disparity seen amongst those experiencing homelessness, but there is still a lot more that needs to be done.
ACKNOWLEDGE - Acknowledgment of racial disparity--not only in homelessness but in healthcare and the criminal justice system--is important.
AMPLIFY - Amplify the voices of individuals and organizations that are talking about the impact race has on housing and homelessness.
ACT - Become actively involved in your community. Take part in public meetings designed to address the homeless crisis. Support organizations and initiatives that seek to end homelessness by offering affordable, transitional, and permanent supportive housing solutions.
The Weingart Center remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting equity and providing equal housing opportunities to the diverse communities that we serve.
Offered below is a small collection of articles that we found online that we believe you'll find beneficial.
The Racial Segregation of American Cities Was Anything But Accidental — A housing policy expert explains how federal government policies created the suburbs and the inner city
~Smithsonian Magazine
45 Books to Teach Children About Black History— A collection of non-fiction and historical fiction books to help children learn about the past.
~The Culture
Teaching Hard History — Four innovative educators discuss how they teach about our country's painful past. Plus, new teaching resources.
~Teaching Tolerance
From Us to You
Weingart Center Board Member, Barbara Allen-Watkins, is a believer in the Weingart Center's mission of transforming lives.
Where to Turn
Homeless? On the verge of being homeless? Know someone who is?
The Coordinated Entry System along with the L.A. County Department of Health Services work together to coordinate services for thousands of Angelenos a year who are experiencing--or at threat of experiencing--homelessness. Part of this coordination is to get people experiencing homelessness registered in the system so that they may receive a referral to agencies--like the Weingart Center.
211
Call 2-1-1 or visit 211la.org to locate outreach teams in your area. This is also the best first step for families with minor children.
LAHSA
Adults needing shelter can call 800.548.6047
WIN
Youths in need of shelter can call 800.548.6047 or download the WIN app.
WEINGART ACCESS CENTER
The Weingart Center's Access Center provides information and referral services, case advocacy, and a wide range of other social services to homeless individuals, families, and people at risk of becoming homeless in Downtown Los Angeles.
Regular Hours
501 E 6th St
Los Angeles, CA 90021
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday- Friday
213.833.5020
After Hours
566 S San Pedro St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
213.627.5302
Let Success Speak
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