Boston Vs. Detroit
In 1970, Detroit and Boston had nearly identical poverty rates.
Since then:
- Boston’s economy has boomed.
- Detroit has literally gone bankrupt. It has one of the highest poverty rates of any city in the United States.
Boston’s homelessness rate is more than double Detroit’s.
(If you thought, “Of course the poorer city has more homeless folks” read the last sentence again.)
Homelessness Explained
Homelessness can be explained in two sentences:
- WHICH PEOPLE BECOME HOMELESS is determined by poverty, mental illness and substance use (and a few other factors).
- HOW MANY PEOPLE BECOME HOMELESS is determined by the availability of affordable housing (local housing costs relative to local wages).
Homelessness is very counterintuitive.
To understand it, you first have to let go of everything you “know” about it.
Want a More Detailed Explanation?
I am interviewing a data scientist who wrote a book about homelessness THIS THURSDAY.
Have a fantastic week!
Peace,
Ryan