Invisible intersectionality in measuring vulnerability among individuals experiencing homelessness – critically appraising the VI-SPDAT

ABSTRACT

This study applies an intersectional analysis to explore racial and gender differences in a widely used measure of vulnerability while homeless, the VI-SPDAT, among a large community sample. The study is particularly important given that vulnerability assessments are used to triage housing decisions for individuals experiencing homelessness. Based on the high risk for trauma among women lacking permanent shelter, and the fact that persons who are Black experience homelessness at a disproportionate rate, it was hypothesized that Black women would score most vulnerable. Data were analyzed using bivariate tests and a moderated path analysis. White women scored consistently higher on vulnerability compared to all men and Black women, despite both Black and White women reporting similarly higher odds of experiencing homelessness due to a history of trauma and abuse. Being homeless due to trauma and being White directly and significantly predicted higher vulnerability scores. Results suggest evidence of racial bias in the VI-SPDAT, which is particularly problematic for Black women, for whom potential measurement bias could mask the effects of trauma. In consequence, Black women experiencing homelessness may be at risk of receiving delayed housing within an already highly oppressed situation.

KEYWORDS:

• vulnerability
• trauma
• race
• gender
• intersectionality

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Courtney Cronley

Dr. Courtney Cronley is an Associate Professor in the College of Social Work at the University of Tennessee (UT). Her research spans topics related to homelessness, poverty, transportation equity, feminist geography, and access to opportunities. She teaches graduate–level courses in applied statistics and research methods. She is a faculty liaison for the National Center for Excellence in Homeless Services and a Faculty Fellow in the UT Center for Transportation Research.