Four new studies led by University of California Los Angeles researchers report that climate change and disasters like wildfires are increasing homelessness across the United States, according to an April 23 announcement. The research urges that recovery planning should address risks faced by those already without shelter or who lose housing due to such events.
The findings matter as they show a direct link between climate-related disasters and rising homelessness, suggesting a need for targeted government intervention. Kathryn Leifheit, assistant professor at UCLA Fielding School of Public Health and lead author of the national study, said, “Each home lost to climate-related events, per 10,000 people, was associated with a significant, 1 percentage point greater increase in homelessness.” Leifheit added that governments should focus on housing stabilization during disaster response and dedicate funding for housing-specific services.
In Los Angeles County wildfires studied by the researchers, about 200,000 people lost their homes while more than three-quarters of those already homeless experienced injuries or major disruptions. The county has over 52,000 unsheltered residents on any given night. Randall Kuhn from UCLA Fielding School said: “The wildfires were among the most devastating urban wildfires in history…those living on the street suffered as well.” Kuhn also said future coordination between emergency response systems and homeless services is needed as disasters become more frequent.
Another study found that laws targeting behaviors linked to homelessness—such as sleeping or camping in public—are tied to worse physical and psychological health among unhoused individuals. Benjamin Henwood from USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work said: “The big takeaway is that roughly one-third of those we surveyed face a sweep every month…it doesn’t really solve the problem.”
Kuhn also noted that integrating field-based medical care with permanent housing investments can help address both health and housing needs for homeless populations. He concluded: “Overall, these findings make clear the correlation of climate change, natural disasters and homelessness…Together these actions will reduce the risk of homelessness before and after disasters.”
The University of California Los Angeles has been associated with Nobel laureates and MacArthur Fellows according to its official website. The university also highlights its history in scholarship, arts and athletics according to its official website, fosters diverse perspectives through academic programs according to its official website, features a 419-acre campus supporting research activities according to its official website, has gained acclaim nationally and internationally through achievements including Nobel laureates according to its official website, and operates within the University of California system according to its official website.