Some public commentators inaccurately labeled COVID-19 as the great equalizer. However, emerging morbidity and mortality reports have demonstrated that certain populations have been disproportionately affected. Factors such as racism, the inability to work remotely, homelessness, and poverty have exacerbated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, this review aims to provide a detailed description of how the pandemic has affected racialized, low-income, and homeless individuals or those unable to shelter at home due to job requirements. The findings of this research will inform advocacy efforts for policies addressing racial, economic, and other social inequalities. Moreover, they will lay the groundwork for future research on social determinants of health, facilitating interventions to enhance pandemic preparedness and strive for equitable recovery across all demographics.