Date of Completion

5-5-2022

Degree Type

Honors Thesis

Discipline

Accounting (ACCT)

First Advisor

Rosemary Kim

Abstract

Throughout American history, Black people have experienced disproportionate amounts of racism, inequity, and lack of resources. This systemic lack of resources and disparities contribute to an overall lack of individual economic development. These factors were further emphasized following the COVID 19 pandemic, which, increased the separations between others. At the start of the Reconstruction Era, the recently freed enslaved faced homelessness as they left plantations penniless with nowhere to go. They were met with both de facto and de jure segregation codified through restrictive covenants, deed clauses that restricted the sale of property to Black people (Cite). Today, Black people still face disproportionate rates of homelessness, a few hundred years removed from emancipation. In Los Angeles specifically, Black people make up only nine percent of the total population yet represent forty percent of the total homeless population in LA. This is particularly relevant because Black people are more likely to experience certain risk factors such as economic hardship and mental illness due to systemic racism, and these risks are likely elevated by experiencing homelessness. The present study investigates whether there has been a noticeable change in the number of homeless people in Los Angeles from the perspective of commuters through survey techniques. The sample consists of responders aged 16-52 who currently live in Los Angeles County. The questionnaire was distributed through Qualtrics and participants will be asked to report on the demographics (age, race) of homeless individuals in their community. This investigation is important because an effective solution to homelessness requires understanding the intersections between race and class.

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Dezmin Hemmans URS.pdf (1034 kB)
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