Factors Influencing State-Level Variations in Homelessness During the COVID-19 Pandemic
By
Margot Kushel
April 6, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Factors Influencing State-Level Variations in Homelessness During the COVID-19 Pandemic
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Homelessness Key Mechanisms Eviction moratoria reduce homelessness; climate emergencies increase homelessness; behavioral health and structural factors influence risk Target Population People experiencing or at risk of homelessness in the US Care Setting Community and public health policy settings
Key Highlights
Eviction moratoria coverage associated with a 0.36 percentage point decrease in homelessness per 1% person-time covered. Each home lost to climate-related events per 10,000 people linked to a 1 percentage point increase in homelessness. Structural factors like housing cost-income disconnect drive regional homelessness variation more than substance use or mental health prevalence. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Recognize homelessness prevalence varies widely by state and is influenced by structural and individual factors. Management
Implement eviction moratoria during economic crises to prevent increases in homelessness. Develop strategies to mitigate homelessness related to climate emergencies. Support safety-net services including eviction prevention, unemployment insurance, and homelessness services. Monitoring & Follow-up
Track state-level homelessness rates in relation to policy implementations such as eviction moratoria and climate events. Monitor behavioral health trends, including drug overdoses, as they relate to unsheltered homelessness. Risks
Rising housing costs and income inequality increase homelessness risk. Climate-related disasters contribute to increased homelessness. Behavioral health conditions increase individual vulnerability to homelessness. Patient & Prescribing Data
Individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness, especially during economic or climate crises
Policy interventions like eviction moratoria can reduce homelessness; addressing structural housing affordability is critical.
Clinical Best Practices
Advocate for and support eviction moratoria during periods of economic disruption. Incorporate awareness of climate-related risks into homelessness prevention planning. Address structural housing affordability gaps to reduce baseline homelessness prevalence. Recognize the role of behavioral health in individual homelessness risk and integrate supportive services. References
