Latino/a experiences of homelessness in California: Qualitative findings from the California Statewide Study of People Experiencing Homelessness (CASPEH)

The number of Latino/a people experiencing homelessness in the United States is increasing. In this qualitative study, we analyzed interviews with 84 Latino/a adults experiencing homelessness in California to understand what contributes to homelessness, what makes it harder to regain housing, and how barriers shape access to services. Findings point to the need for culturally centered programs and policy responses.

Key findings

From interviews conducted in English and Spanish, three themes emerged:

• Limited family and social support Participants often relied on family or friends for short-term help, but these supports were limited—sometimes due to overcrowded or unstable living situations, concerns about being a burden, or shame and a desire to “handle it on their own.
• Barriers to returning to housing Participants described confusing and time-consuming housing application processes, language barriers, discrimination in housing and service settings, and interactions with law enforcement that made it harder to stay safe and seek help.
• Job loss and ongoing barriers to employment Many participants linked homelessness to job loss—sometimes after injury or unsafe working conditions, and sometimes due to COVID-era economic disruption. Once unhoused, health challenges, transportation barriers, and missing or expired documents made getting back to work even harder.

What this means for policy and practice

These interviews show that rising Latino/a homelessness is shaped not only by housing costs, but also by barriers tied to work, service access, language, discrimination, and documentation challenges. The findings highlight the need for culturally centered, programmatic interventions that reflect the realities Latino/a adults face when trying to regain housing and stability.

Authors: Zena K. Coronado, Michael Duke, Madison Rodriguez, Lourdes Johanna Avelar Portillo, Dafna Erana Hernandez, Margot Kushel.

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