Understanding the Personal Networks of People Experiencing Homelessness in King County, WA with aggregate Relational Data

TL;DR

This study analyzes three years of survey data from over 3,000 unhoused individuals in King County, WA, revealing declining social connectivity and increasing kinship networks among the homeless, highlighting social disconnection trends.

Contribution

It provides the first longitudinal analysis of personal networks among the homeless using aggregate relational data, revealing dynamic changes over time.

Findings

Decline in average acquaintances from 80 to 40 between 2023 and 2024

Stable close friendship levels at 2.5 despite population growth

Expansion of kinship networks among unhoused individuals

Abstract

The social networks of people experiencing homelessness are an understudied but vital aspect of their lives, offering access to information, support, and safety. In 2023, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development reported 653,100 people experiencing homelessness on any given night -- a 23% rise since 2022, though likely an undercount. This paper examines a unique three-year dataset (2022-2024) of survey responses from over 3,000 unhoused individuals in King County, WA, collected via network-based sampling methods to estimate the unsheltered population. Our study analyzes the networks of the unsheltered population, focusing on acquaintance, close friendship, kinship, and peer referral networks. Findings reveal a decline in social connectivity over time. The average number of acquaintances dropped from 80 in 2023 to 40 in 2024. Close friendship levels remained stable at 2.5, but given the growth in the homeless population, this suggests decreased network connectivity. Kinship networks expanded, indicating that more family members of unhoused individuals are also experiencing homelessness. These trends suggest increasing social disconnection, possibly driven by displacement and a rise in newly homeless individuals. The growing isolation may reduce opportunities for information sharing and mutual support. However, the increased reliance on family networks highlights the shifting dynamics of social support within this community. This research underscores the need for policies fostering social connections and community building, such as reducing displacement and providing spaces for congregation, to counter the growing anomie among unhoused populations.