New Report Indicates Massive Human and Financial Impact of COVID-19 Virus on Homelessness

Analysis Suggests $11.5 Billion Cost to Provide Appropriate Shelter and Quarantine Space for a Highly Vulnerable Homeless Population

March 23, 2020, Washington, D.C. – A new report looks at the likely and alarming impact of the COVID-19 virus on the homeless population. It accounts for hospitalization and mortality rates for people experiencing homelessness, and assesses the cost of preventing these outcomes by adopting the same interventions and reductions in contact that are being required for the population at large. The full report is available at the National Alliance to End Homelessness’ web site.

Authored by researchers at University of Pennsylvania, University of California Los Angeles, and Boston University, the report projects that people experiencing homelessness will be twice as likely to be hospitalized, two to four times as likely to require critical care, and two to three times as likely to die as the general population. Authors cite several factors that contribute to this increased risk. They include widespread underlying health conditions in the population, and the large number of homeless people who are 60 and above, both of which factors have been identified as putting people at the highest risk for the virus.

The report provides national-level information on the potential impact of the virus and the cost for minimizing that impact. It also includes charts containing this data for every state and local homelessness system in the nation.

The analysis arrives as Congress continues to work on its most recent emergency spending bill, with funding to stimulate the economy and to help the nation’s most vulnerable people. The findings are a critical reminder that the homeless system is an integral part of the nation’s continuum of health care that is essential to keep people out of hospitals and “flatten the curve.” The authors conclude that $11.5 billion is needed to make sure that homeless people are protected, and by being so, the broader public is protected from community spread of the virus. Early indications are that the bill will fall short of that goal.

“This report – like the report from Imperial College London that startled so many national leaders into action – makes it clear that every part of the US population must be included in the measures to stop the virus’ spread,” said Nan Roman, President and CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness. “We call on Members of Congress to do the right thing and ensure that our homeless neighbors are taken care of, and as a result, that all people are safer. This report helps lay out – in the clearest terms – what it will take to get there. Congress should take action.”

For a full list of Federal resources, policy papers, and other guidance, reporters are encouraged to review this guide assembled by the National Alliance to End Homelessness.

About the National Alliance to End Homelessness

The National Alliance to End Homelessness is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization committed to preventing and ending homelessness in the United States. As a leading voice on the issue of homelessness, the Alliance analyzes policy and develops pragmatic, cost-effective solutions; works collaboratively with the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to build state and local capacity; and provides data and research to policymakers and elected officials in order to inform policy debates and educate the public and opinion leaders nationwide.