Migrant farmworkers and Native Americans are identified as subgroups of the homeless population in nonmetro areas and in geographic locations where these groups predominantly reside. Family conflict, particularly domestic violence, seems to play a significant role in family homelessness in rural areas. Support networks in rural areas are often informal and people frequently rely upon relatives and friends for assistance. To some extent, this may be a factor in preventing people with mental illness from becoming homeless and may also explain the significant presence of households escaping family conflict, particularly domestic violence. The dimensions of rural homelessness remain largely unexplored and clearly there is a need for further research.
More information is needed on the rural homeless population.
This Information Sheet was prepared by the Housing Assistance Council. The work that provided the basis for this publication was supported by funding under Cooperative Agreement H-5925 CA with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The substance and finding of that work are dedicated to the public. The publisher is solely responsible for the accuracy of the statements and interpretations contained in this publication and such interpretations do not necessarily reflect the views of the government.