From Imperial County to Del Norte County: Determinants of Movement for People Experiencing Unsheltered Homelessness in Rural and Suburban California
The thesis examines the various factors driving county-to-county movement for individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in rural and suburban parts of California. These areas are often overlooked in research and resources compared to the “Big Six” counties: Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Clara (San Jose), Alameda (Oakland), Sacramento, and San Francisco. Addressing a gap in understanding the mobility of homeless populations, this research seeks to answer the question: What are the primary determinants of movement between counties for individuals experiencing homelessness in California? Through a qualitative analysis of 65 semi-structured interviews, scattered across 40 counties in California, the research revealed that accessibility to support services, economic and environmental conditions, and policy barriers significantly influence migration decisions across counties. The key takeaways from this research point to more effective resource allocation and policy approaches that better address the unique challenges faced by homeless populations outside major urban centers.
