https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2023/06/425646/california-statewide-study-investigates-causes-and-impacts-homelessness?
Disparities in homeless populations
The study found that the states homeless population is aging, with 47% of all adults aged 50 or older, and that Black and Native Americans are dramatically overrepresented. Contrary to myths of homeless migration, most were Californians: 90% of participants lost their last housing in California and 75% of participants live in the same county as where they were last housed. Nine out of ten spent time unsheltered since they became homeless. The median length of homelessness was 22 months.
One in five participants entered homelessness from an institution. Of those who hadnt been in an institution, 60% came from situations where they werent leaseholders, such as doubling up with family or friends. Participants were disconnected from the job market and services, but almost half were looking for work.
The results of the study confirm that far too many Californians experience homelessness because they cannot afford housing.