Gender Differences in the Residential Origins of the Homeless: Identification of Areas with High Risk of Homelessness

Abstract

This article offers a gender perspective on homelessness concerning residential origins. Data were obtained through the 2005 homelessness survey in Miami-Dade County, Florida. The residential origins of homeless women are more widespread and less concentrated in the neighborhoods of high poverty than those of homeless men. Areas with lack of low-rent housing units are at greatest risk of generating homeless men and women. The rate of residential origins of homeless men increases with the proportion of Hispanics and African Americans, particularly those living below poverty level. Areas with a high proportion of female-headed households with young children and unemployed females are strongly significant in producing more homeless women. Planners should take into account a geographic and population-targeted strategy in designing homelessness prevention interventions.