A. Description of the Local Community and Subpopulation at Risk
Community: City of Riverside, California

Subpopulation: Homeless individuals

Size of the Community: According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2020, the estimated population of the City of Riverside is 331,360.

Gender: The homeless population in Riverside is composed of both males and females, with a slightly higher percentage of males.

Age: The homeless population in Riverside consists of individuals across various age groups, including young adults, middle-aged individuals, and older adults.

Race: The homeless population in Riverside is diverse, with individuals from different racial and ethnic backgrounds. However, African Americans and Hispanics are disproportionately represented among the homeless population.

Income: The homeless population in Riverside generally has little to no income. Many individuals face financial instability due to unemployment or low-wage jobs.

Educational Level: The educational level among the homeless population in Riverside varies. While some individuals may have completed high school or have some college education, many face barriers to education due to their unstable living situations.

Percentage Living in Poverty: The majority of the homeless population in Riverside lives in poverty, as they lack stable housing and regular employment opportunities.

Crime Rates: Homeless individuals are often victims of crime, including theft, assault, and harassment. However, it is important to note that they are also unfairly stigmatized as criminals in some instances.

Occupations: Due to their homelessness, individuals in this subpopulation often struggle to maintain steady employment. They may engage in informal work or temporary jobs when available.

Access to Healthcare, Transportation, and Food Sources: Homeless individuals in Riverside face significant challenges in accessing healthcare services, transportation, and consistent food sources. Lack of insurance, limited access to transportation options, and limited availability of nutritious food contribute to their vulnerability.

Health and Nutrition Rates: Homeless individuals are at higher risk of experiencing poor health outcomes and malnutrition compared to the general population. Limited access to healthcare services and nutritious food exacerbate these issues.

Environmental Concerns Relevant to the Subpopulation
Water Quality: Homeless individuals often lack access to clean water sources, which increases their risk of waterborne diseases.

Sanitation: The lack of proper sanitation facilities for homeless individuals increases the risk of communicable diseases and poses a threat to public health.

Air Quality: Homeless individuals are often exposed to poor air quality due to their living conditions, which may include makeshift shelters or sleeping rough in urban areas with high pollution levels.

Natural Disasters: Homeless individuals are particularly vulnerable during natural disasters such as floods, wildfires, or extreme weather events. They may lack shelter or be unable to evacuate safely.

Vulnerability to Heat/Cold: Homeless individuals face heightened risks during extreme temperatures, including heat-related illnesses in the summer and hypothermia during cold winters.

Comparison of Demographics and Health Concerns
Comparing the demographics of the homeless subpopulation with the larger community population in Riverside reveals significant disparities and health concerns:

Race: African Americans and Hispanics are overrepresented among the homeless population compared to their proportion in the overall community.
Gender: While both males and females experience homelessness, males constitute a larger percentage.
Age: Homelessness affects individuals across various age groups, but older adults may face additional health challenges due to age-related conditions.
Health Concerns: Homeless individuals experience higher rates of mental health issues, substance abuse disorders, chronic diseases, infectious diseases, and injuries compared to the general population. These health concerns are exacerbated by limited access to healthcare and social support systems.
B. Social Determinant of Health (SDOH) Affecting the Subpopulation
SDOH: Lack of affordable housing

The lack of affordable housing is a significant social determinant of health affecting the homeless subpopulation in Riverside.

Contributor to Disease and Premature Death: Homelessness often leads to a cycle of poor health outcomes, including increased morbidity and mortality rates. Without stable housing, homeless individuals face numerous health risks, such as exposure to harsh weather conditions, violence, substance abuse, mental health issues, and inadequate access to healthcare services.

Controversial Community Health Concerns: According to local news sources such as The Press-Enterprise, controversial community health concerns related to homelessness in Riverside include debates surrounding safe shelter options, provision of medical care for homeless individuals, and public safety concerns associated with encampments.

Community Health Concerns: People in the community are most concerned about the rising number of homeless individuals and the impact it has on public spaces, crime rates, sanitation issues, and strain on local resources.

**Emergency Room Visits