Health and Homelessness

Question 1

What is ‘homelessness’

Answer 1

 Has no accommodation in UK or elsewhere that
they can reasonably occupy
 Cannot gain access to their accommodation or risk domestic violence by living there
 Accommodation which is unreasonable, overcrowded or risk to health
 ‘Likely to become homeless’ within 2 months

Question 2

Why do people become homeless?

Answer 2

1. Societal Issues
2. Personal Factors/Vulnerabilities
3. Housing Factors

Question 3

Personal Factors/Vulnerabilities

Answer 3

 Childhood family environment 
 History of institutional living
  Mental illness
 Substance misuse
 Domestic / Sexual abuse
  Relationship breakdowns 
 Social isolation
  Life-coping skills are overwhelmed

Question 4

Housing Factors

Answer 4

 Rent or mortgage arrears
 Impending eviction / repossession
 Tenure insecurity – tied tenancy
 History of neighbour complaints
 Previous homelessness
 House unable to be adapted to needs

Question 5

Barriers to Access Healthcare

Answer 5

 NHS administration – need for
permanent address to register
 Staff attitudes – hostile reception staff
 Aggressive behaviour - substance misuse
 Location and timing of appointments  Problem of ‘dual diagnosis’
referral patterns
 Temporary accommodation – loss of
contact

Question 6

Methods of service delivery

Answer 6

 Dedicated GP or Dental Practices
 Dedicated Health Visitors for homeless families
 Specialised mental health and drug and alcohol staff
 Mainstreamed service - with bespoke access arrangements (in-reach, out-reach)
 One– Stop Shop arrangements at homeless venues shared with voluntary organisations

Question 7

Resilience Factors

Answer 7

 Supportive friends / family
 Strong social networks
 Appropriate support services
 Savings or access to financial help 
 Available advice & advocacy
 In stable employment 
 Personal empowerment

Question 8

Societal Issues

Answer 8

– Lack of affordable housing 
– Lack of jobs
– Inadequate levels of welfare & disability payments
– Ethnic & racial discrimination
– Economic downturn / Welfare Reform