Latinx & Homelessness

    

        Although there has been a spike of 240% in the amount of Hispanic students enrolling in higher education institutions between 1996 and 2012 (Krogstad & Fry, 2014), only 15% of Hispanics actually attain a bachelor’s degree or higher (Krogstad, 2015). Compared to other minorities, Latinos are lagging behind. Even though this could lead to serious repercussions, it is still an unacknowledged issue that, if not confronted soon, could lead more Latino males down a path of economic instability and even homelessness. Currently, the Latinx community makes up roughly around 46% of the population but makes up for 35% of the homeless population. Even before Latino students reach college, it can be seen that a large percentage struggle from an early age. During 2004, Hispanics had a high school dropout rate of 28.4% which surpassed Whites, Blacks, and Asians (Saenz & Ponjuan, 2009, p.56). Hispanics falling behind can be traced even further back than high school which is why there at such a danger to become homeless once they are older. As the Journal of Hispanic Higher Education states, Hispanic students in 2006 had the lowest percentage of children between three to four years old enrolled in schools (Saenz. & Ponjuan, 2009, p. 59). This achievement gap can create a long lasting, devastating impact on our society if nothing is done to create change to help further Hispanic male educational development. By encouraging a more diverse staff, emphasizing how white privilege can be used to advocate for change within Hispanic communities, and creating a well-informed citizenry within classrooms, educators can help create a better educated Hispanic work force. Having more Hispanic students invest in themselves by attending higher education institutions not only will help them financially, by providing better job opportunities, but will help reduce the number of incarcerated and homeless Latinos.

https://socialinnovation.usc.edu/homeless_research/stemming-the-rise-of-latino-homelessness-lessons-from-los-angeles-county/