Housing Forward addresses race and homelessness

(The Dallas Examiner) – For the fourth installment of Hard Conversations: The Impact of Race in Creating & Addressing Homelessness, the Housing Forwardorganization brought in Dr. Earl J. Edwards to share his thoughts on the effects of structural racism in homelessness. Edwards’ professional work focuses on researching the intersections of race, education, housing and creating systems to combat racial inequities. There is an overrepresentation of Black people experiencing homelessness in Dallas and around the country, according to Housing Forward executives, Joli Angel Robinson and Rececca Hickom, who co-hosted of the webinar. The co-hosts presented background information and statistics on homelessness. The disparities are due to issues such as discrimination and urban renewal, wherein Black families are pushed out of their homes due to the “revitalization” of their neighborhoods and subsequent housing price increase. Blacks also remain in the homeless population longer than any other race, in addition to making up the largest part of that population. Related Stories “There is a lack of racial equity – no policies to ensure that non-Whites’ housing needs are short-lived,” Edwards added. While Black people experience homelessness at a higher rate than any other race, Blacks have received the least amount of support with...