By Diane K. Levy and Nancy Pindus, Housing Matters, January 8, 2020
American Indian households move more often than American households do overall, and an increasing share of American Indians live in metropolitan areas, including in nontribal areas. Although many people find stable housing in urban areas, not all do. With few resources and supports to help ease the transition, multiple moves can increase the likelihood of homelessness for American Indians who already are overrepresented in the national homeless population (PDF).
What motivates these moves, why are they leading to an increased risk of homelessness, and what efforts are being made to prevent native housing instability?
The reasons many American Indians move from reservations or other tribal lands to towns and cities have remained consistent over time. Some people move seeking education and employment opportunities beyond what’s available on a reservation or to access more comprehensive health care or other needed services. Family members who moved in the past can serve as a draw for those considering relocating to an urban area. American Indians also may choose to move away from circumstances they face on the reservation, such as poor or crowded housing conditions, or for personal and family reasons. Moves are not always final—some people return to Indian Country and some move back and forth. People may return because of strong ties to a reservation or because anticipated opportunities didn’t pan out.
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