Homelessness

Homelessness: A Global Crisis

Imagine a world where millions of people lack stable, safe, and functional housing. This is the stark reality faced by those experiencing homelessness around the globe. Homelessness encompasses various forms—living on the streets, in temporary accommodations, or without a place of usual residence. The legal status of homeless individuals varies widely across countries, but one thing remains constant: their struggle for basic human dignity and security.

The Scale of the Problem

According to estimates, approximately 150 million people worldwide were homeless in 2024. This staggering number highlights a global crisis that demands urgent attention. The United Nations defines homelessness as households without shelter due to a lack of steady income, emphasizing its deep connection with poverty.

Understanding Homelessness

The ETHOS Typology of Homelessness and Housing Exclusion provides a framework for understanding the complexity of homelessness in Europe. This typology helps policymakers and researchers better categorize and address different forms of housing exclusion, from primary to secondary homelessness.

A Historical Perspective on Homelessness

Homelessness has a long history, with roots tracing back to medieval times. In the United Kingdom, vagabonds were punished under the 1383 English Poor Laws, while in the U.S., vagrancy laws during the Antebellum South policed poor whites. The Great Depression of the 1930s saw an epidemic of poverty and homelessness, leading to the implementation of social welfare programs like public housing.

During World War II, George Orwell wrote about poverty in London and Paris, highlighting areas like ‘skid row’ where people with alcohol use disorder lived on the streets. In the 1960s, public concern grew in England, leading to initiatives such as the Rough Sleeper Initiative in London.

Causes of Homelessness

The causes of homelessness are multifaceted and interconnected. Rent and eviction issues, such as gentrification and mortgage foreclosures, contribute significantly. Economic factors like lack of jobs that pay living wages and affordable housing exacerbate the problem. Social services, healthcare, and discrimination also play crucial roles.

For instance, inadequate healthcare can lead to untreated illnesses, perpetuating a cycle of poverty. Discrimination against homeless individuals often results in social exclusion, making it harder for them to access essential resources. Natural disasters, war, and conflict displace millions globally, while youth in foster care are more likely to become homeless due to lack of support.

Healthcare Challenges

The healthcare challenges faced by homeless individuals are profound. Higher rates of adverse physical and mental health outcomes, chronic diseases, respiratory conditions, and substance use are common. Access to public medical services is limited due to a lack of identification or registration.

There’s also a care crisis for homeless individuals with psychiatric disorders, often due to non-adherence to medication and inaccurate medical histories. Communicable diseases like tuberculosis pose significant risks in crowded shelters. The elderly homeless population faces unique challenges, as evidenced by studies showing higher rates of geriatric syndromes compared to seniors in the general population.

Government Initiatives

Many countries have government avenues and nonprofit organizations working to address homelessness. In the U.S., initiatives like Rapid Re-housing programs and Homeless Prevention Funds aim to provide temporary emergency shelter during cold spells, known as warming centers. The Housing First program offers housing access without sobriety tests, showing benefits in retaining housing for clients.

However, critics argue that these programs may misuse resources or lack evidence-based research. Some formerly homeless individuals donate to organizations that aided them, while others are employed by these organizations, highlighting the complex interplay between support and self-sufficiency.

The Impact of Extreme Weather

Extreme weather events significantly impact homeless individuals due to their higher rates of chronic disease and lower socioeconomic status. These individuals often lack access to clean drinking water, healthcare, and cooling/warming resources, making them more vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

The health effects include exacerbating chronic diseases, acute illnesses like cardiovascular and respiratory issues, sunburn, dehydration, heat stroke, and allergic reactions. Mental health conditions are also affected due to lack of sleep, increased alcohol consumption, reduced access to resources, and difficulty adjusting to environmental changes.

Stigmas and Public Perception

Homelessness is often stigmatized, leading to ineffective public policymaking and reinforcing stereotypes. Stigmas can be divided into three categories: attributing it to personal incompetence, seeing homeless individuals as threats, or dehumanizing them. These stigmas lead to increased fear among the general population but decrease after interacting with homeless individuals.

Increasing contact between the homeless population and non-homeless individuals can change public opinions and improve policymaking. Studies confirm that homelessness is a complex issue requiring multifaceted solutions.

Global Examples

The situation varies significantly across countries. In Egypt, over 1 million children live on the streets, while in South Africa, homelessness dates back to apartheid and is exacerbated by unemployment and lack of affordable housing. China faces a housing crisis with overcrowded conditions for migrant workers, leading to increased homelessness.

In India, there are an estimated 1.77 million homeless people, including those lacking access to essential services such as safety and affordability. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, with shelters set up in Wuhan to house over 4,800 people. Indonesia has an estimated 3 million homeless individuals, while Iran sees homeless people sleeping in graves or paying $25,000 per night for buses to sleep on rooftops.

Israel’s homelessness situation increased after the Soviet immigration wave in 1991, with nearly all homeless people being men from the former Soviet Union. In Japan, homelessness primarily affects middle-aged and elderly males, while in the Philippines, at least 895,000 people are estimated to be homeless on any one night.

Conclusion

Homelessness is a complex issue with deep-rooted causes that require comprehensive solutions. From economic factors and social services to healthcare challenges and public perception, addressing homelessness demands a multifaceted approach. By understanding the root causes and working together, we can make significant strides in alleviating this global crisis.