Research Brief: Homelessness Associated with Increased Use of Public Benefits
Report
July 18, 2017
![](/sites/default/files/migrated_files/images/research_brief%3A_homelessness_associated_with_increased_use_of_public_benefits.jpeg)
It expands on the information in the first brief, Are Homeless Families Connected to the Social Safety Net? Topics of other briefs already published include the well-being of young children and adolescents following an episode of sheltered homelessness.
Findings from this brief include:
- Families experiencing homelessness receive TANF cash assistance, SNAP benefits, and publicly funded health insurance at equal or greater rates than other families in deep poverty in the same communities.
- Younger parents, as well as those with fewer and younger children, were more likely to receive TANF cash assistance. Parents who were not married or with a partner were also more likely to participate in TANF. The pattern is similar for SNAP, with younger parents and those not married more likely to participate.
- Continued housing instability following a stay in emergency shelter is associated with somewhat lower participation in SNAP and publicly funded health insurance. The direction of this association is unclear.
Focus Areas