What is Homelessness?
Homelessness is the lack of a safe, affordable place to live. It can be a consequence of a range of factors including poverty, family and relationship breakdown, mental health issues, addictions and a range of other challenges. Homelessness has a serious impact on the wellbeing of those affected, their families, friends and community. Homelessness can also have a significant social and economic cost for society.
People who experience homelessness can be categorised into four different groups, depending on the situation in which they find themselves. These include: those who are literally homeless, those who are living in a place not intended for human habitation, those exiting an institution and who lived in a shelter or other emergency housing prior to entering that institution, and those who have an income but do not have adequate means of paying for a housing option.
In addition, a person can also be considered homeless if they are at risk of losing their housing within 14 days and have no other place to go. This could be due to a court order, eviction notice or other similar situation. Finally, someone can be considered a sheltered homeless person if they live in a supervised homeless shelter, which can include a transitional housing program, emergency housing, hostels and some hotels.
Across the country, a small number of communities have the largest concentrations of people experiencing homelessness. This is often attributed to their higher per capita rates of poverty and high levels of unemployment. This has led to a focus on providing services and support in those areas. It also highlights the need for policies that tackle the root causes of homelessness rather than just alleviating the symptoms.
Homeless people are often stigmatised by the community, making it difficult for them to access the services they need. The stigma can lead to a lack of trust and confidence in the services that are available, and can cause people to avoid seeking help. It can also make it difficult for organisations to fund and deliver the necessary support.
The United Nations has recognised the right to housing in its Universal Declaration of Human Rights. States are obliged to “establish, maintain and protect in good working order the conditions required for the full realization of this right.” This includes adequate, safe and secure housing.
In the past, major cities avoided a tidal wave of homelessness during the pandemic by offering emergency rental relief, eviction moratoriums and stimulus checks. But those lifelines have now dried up and a new generation faces an uphill struggle to remain housed.
The most common causes of homelessness are financial hardship, unemployment, and health issues. People who are struggling to pay their rent or mortgage might miss out on employment opportunities, and can struggle to maintain relationships and friendships. This can lead to a sense of isolation and exclusion which can have a negative effect on overall mental and physical health. In the UK, some of the most vulnerable groups of people are single women and young children, who face particular barriers to finding work and keeping a job.