The Connection Between the Hispanic Community and Homelessness Known as the “Hispanic or Latino Paradox”
As Sept. 15-Oct. 15 marks National Hispanic Heritage Month, we believe now is as good a time as any to address the connection between the Hispanic community and homelessness recognized as the “Hispanic or Latino Paradox.”
What is the Hispanic or Latino Paradox?
While certain ethnic populations are overrepresented in statistics evaluating America’s homeless population, the Hispanic community is experiencing something quite different.
Here’s statistical proof:
MO-604 HMIS Data (2021):
Total Persons:16,455
Hispanic/Latinx: 1,453
Client Doesn’t Know, Data Not Collected, or Client Refused: 862
In Kansas City, Black/African individuals are overrepresented in the homeless population (50% homeless population, 28% general population) yet, Hispanic/LatinX individuals are the only brown-skinned racial demographic group that is underrepresented in homelessness locally (8% of homeless population, 30% of general population.)
According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, 20 Hispanic/Latinx individuals experience homelessness for every 10,000 people in the general population.
Whether these numbers are due to self identification or other cultural factor, this apparent disparity has sometimes been called “the Hispanic paradox” ot “the Latino paradox.”
Simply put, the The Hispanic or Latino Paradox is the hypothesis that culturally-based resilience factors may help Hispanic families cope with crises without going to shelters.
Resources for the Hispanic Community Experiencing Homelessness in Kansas City
We’ve gathered a list of resources specifically intended for the Hispanic/Latino community in the Greater Kansas City Area who may be experiencing homelessness and other related difficulties.
Guadalupe Centers
Mission: “To improve the quality of life for individuals in the Latino communities of Greater Kansas City. “We accomplish our mission by:
- Providing early childhood, secondary, adult education and workforce training programs.
- Facilitating access to health and social services for all ages.
- Promoting and providing Latino cultural enrichment events.
- Sponsoring social activities that engage our diverse communities.”
Learn more at https://guadalupecenters.org/
Mattie Rhodes
“Mattie Rhodes Center is a community development organization dedicated to individual and family well-being through social services, behavioral health counseling and the arts.”
Learn more at https://www.mattierhodes.org/
El Centro Inc.
El Centro provides educational, social and economic services for Hispanic families in Kansas City.
Learn more at https://www.elcentroinc.com/
Timely Ways to Support the Hispanic/Latino Community
Due to tropical storms, Puerto Rico residents are without many critical resources again. In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, consider donating to these worthy causes:
Friends of Puerto Rico
Friends of Puerto Rico is a non-profit 501(C)(3) that supports the economic development of the people of Puerto Rico through entrepreneurial initiatives, education, and creating opportunities for women and girls.
Learn more and donate at https://www.friendsofpuertorico.org/
PRxPR
Committed to investing 100% of donations amongst the most critically affected communities, the Fund’s short and long-term humanitarian goals focus on food/agriculture, clean water and fuel/renewable energy initiatives.
Learn more and donate at https://www.prxpr.org/
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 2022
Please join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 2022 by listening to and supporting these artists and media stations.
