February 14, 2025
Welcome to our new series, “Bridging the Gap” where we deep dive into some of the systemic disparities that deeply impact the communities we serve, celebrate resilience and beauty in our communities, and highlight some solutions to bridge the gaps in health care and homelessness.
Systemic Racism: Driving Homelessness and Health Disparities in Black Communities
This Black History Month, Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless (AHCH) reflects on the systemic challenges Black Americans face in housing and health care. We honor the contributions of Black leaders who have fought for equity and justice while committing to addressing the persistent inequities that disproportionately affect Black communities.
Systemic racism profoundly impacts Black Americans, perpetuating cycles of homelessness and health disparities. Historical injustices, discriminatory policies, and ongoing bias create significant barriers to stable housing and equitable health care, making it harder for Black individuals to achieve long-term stability and wellness.
The Link Between Systemic Racism and Homelessness
Homelessness is not an isolated issue; it is the result of a complex web of social, economic, and racial factors. For Black Americans, systemic racism plays a critical role in perpetuating homelessness. While homelessness affects people from all backgrounds, Black individuals experience homelessness at disproportionately high rates. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) 2020 Annual Homeless Assessment Report, Black people make up approximately 40% of the U.S. homeless population, even though they represent about 13% of the general population. This disparity highlights the direct impact of racial inequities on housing stability.
Systemic racism in housing policies—such as redlining, discriminatory lending practices, and exclusionary zoning laws—has historically restricted Black families’ access to homeownership and stable housing. These practices have contributed to generational wealth disparities and left many Black individuals and families vulnerable to housing instability. Additionally, the lack of affordable housing, coupled with economic inequalities, makes it even harder for Black individuals to escape homelessness once they are affected.
This is seen in the disproportionate burden of homelessness among people who identify as Black or African American. In Bernalillo County, 3.7% of residents identified as Black or African American in 2022. In contrast, 9.5% of people that AHCH serves identify as Black, nearly three times the population proportion.
Health Disparities and Shortened Life Expectancy
The link between homelessness and health disparities is undeniable. People experiencing homelessness are more likely to suffer from chronic health conditions, mental health issues, and substance use disorders due to lack of stable housing, limited access to healthcare, and exposure to environmental stressors. For Black communities, these challenges are compounded by systemic racism within the health care system, which leads to poor health outcomes and shortened life expectancy.
Black Americans have a significantly lower life expectancy than their white counterparts. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the life expectancy for Black Americans is approximately 4.5 years shorter than that of white Americans. This gap is primarily driven by disparities in access to healthcare, chronic health conditions, and the social determinants of health, which are often shaped by systemic racism. In particular, Black people are more likely to suffer from conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, which are exacerbated by stress, economic inequality, and inadequate access to health care.
The impact of systemic racism in health care is particularly evident in the ways Black Americans experience discrimination and bias in medical settings. Studies have shown that Black patients are less likely to receive adequate care, have their symptoms taken seriously, or be provided with necessary treatments. This contributes to poorer health outcomes and a lack of trust in the medical system, which further discourages Black individuals from seeking timely care.
Discrimination in Health Care and Its Impact on Black Communities
Discrimination in health care is a pervasive issue that disproportionately affects Black Americans, contributing to health disparities and worsening the overall outcomes for Black individuals, particularly those experiencing homelessness. Research consistently shows that Black patients are more likely to experience prejudice, stereotyping, and unequal treatment in health care settings. This can result in delayed diagnoses, inappropriate treatments, and overall lower quality of care.
A landmark study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that Black patients are less likely to be prescribed pain medication, less likely to receive high-quality medical services, and more likely to have their concerns dismissed by health care professionals. The effects of these disparities are far-reaching, impacting not only the immediate care that Black individuals receive but also their long-term health outcomes. When combined with the stress of navigating a health care system that is often indifferent or hostile, these inequities lead to heightened mental health issues, increased physical health problems, and, ultimately, a shorter life expectancy.
For Black individuals experiencing homelessness, these challenges are even more severe. Without access to consistent, quality health care, the cycle of homelessness becomes even harder to break. Many Black people experiencing homelessness face significant barriers in accessing both emergency and preventative care, leading to worsening health conditions, prolonged suffering, and reduced chances of exiting homelessness.
Black Leadership in New Mexico
Black resilience and community in New Mexico have long been a source of strength, perseverance, and transformation. From generations of Black families who built their lives in the Southwest to the individuals making an impact today, the Black community continues to thrive, uplift, and empower one another despite systemic challenges. One of the most powerful ways this resilience is showcased is through storytelling and advocacy, ensuring that Black voices are heard, valued, and centered in conversations about justice, equity, and opportunity.
A shining example of this work is The Uplift Chronicles, an empowering newspaper published by the New Mexico Black Leadership Council. Rooted in the lived experiences of Black New Mexicans, this publication is a vital platform for amplifying Black voices, sharing untold stories, and celebrating the achievements of the community. By informing, educating, and inspiring, The Uplift Chronicles fosters connection and awareness, ensuring that Black narratives remain at the forefront of local and statewide discourse. This kind of representation is critical—not just for visibility but for reinforcing the strength and dignity of Black individuals, especially those navigating hardships such as housing insecurity.
For Black individuals experiencing homelessness, access to Black-led resources is not just a necessity—it is a matter of survival, dignity, and healing. Black organizations provide culturally competent support, safe spaces, and a sense of belonging that is often lacking in traditional systems of care. They offer guidance that understands the historical and present-day barriers Black people face, from racial discrimination in housing to disparities in health care access. By working together, we can create pathways toward stability, wellness, and empowerment, ensuring that all Black New Mexicans—especially those facing housing insecurity—have the resources, representation, and respect they deserve.
The Path to Addressing Systemic Racism in Homelessness and Health Care
Addressing the intersection of systemic racism, homelessness, and health disparities requires a multi-pronged approach that involves both systemic change and community-based solutions. At AHCH, we are committed to providing culturally competent, equitable care to all of our clients, particularly Black individuals who are disproportionately affected by these barriers. However, it is clear that addressing systemic racism requires more than just changes in health care delivery—it also requires broader societal change.
Here are some key areas where action is needed:
- Housing Equity: We must work to address the historical and ongoing effects of discriminatory housing policies by advocating for more affordable housing, eliminating discriminatory practices, and ensuring access to stable housing for all, regardless of race.
- Culturally Competent Health Care: Health care providers must receive training in cultural competence to ensure they understand the unique challenges faced by Black individuals and are equipped to provide appropriate care. This includes recognizing the impact of historical trauma and social determinants of health, as well as combating bias and discrimination within health care systems.
- Addressing Health Disparities: Policies must be put in place to close the gap in health disparities, ensuring that Black communities have equal access to quality health care, health education, and preventive services.
- Racial Justice Advocacy: As a health care provider, AHCH advocates for justice both within the health care system and in broader society. By challenging policies and systems that perpetuate racial inequity, we can help create a more just society where everyone, regardless of race, has equal opportunities to thrive.
Conclusion
The intersection of systemic racism, homelessness, and health disparities is a significant barrier to the well-being of Black communities in Albuquerque and across the nation. The disproportionate impact of homelessness on Black Americans, combined with health disparities and discrimination in health care, underscores the urgent need for systemic change. At AHCH, we are committed to addressing these inequities by striving to provide compassionate, culturally competent care, advocating for policies that address the root causes of homelessness and health disparities, and working towards a more just and equitable future for all.
Sources:
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH)
- Journal of General Internal Medicine
