A Quasi-Experiment comparing the health of unhoused people who have and have not experienced an eviction

• In Event: 20216 - Housing Insecurity Among Low-Income Households

Abstract

Home eviction poses a significant threat to housing stability, a critical determinant of health. This study examines the relationship between eviction and
health and substance use within the unhoused population of King County,
Washington. Using a sample of 1,106 individuals experiencing homelessness,
we employed a quasi-experimental design to compare the health outcomes of
those who have experienced eviction with those who have not. Our findings
reveal that eviction is associated with a 10.1% point increase (SE = 0.045) in
the likelihood of reporting poor self-rated health and an 11.6% point increase
(SE = 0.042) in substance use disorder. No significant effect was found for
mental health outcomes. While these results highlight the severe health risks
linked to eviction, further research with more precise estimates is necessary
to better understand its long-term effects. These findings contribute to the
growing evidence of how eviction undermines the well-being of vulnerable
populations.

Authors

• Ihsan Kahveci, University of Washington

• Tim Thomas, University of California, Berkeley

• Nathalie E. Williams, University of Washington

• Paul Hebert

• Amy Hagopian, University of Washington

• Zack W. Almquist, University of Washington