Understanding iterative homelessness: the case of people with mental disorders
Summary
Some people with a mental illness experience cycles or iterations of homelessness where they move chaotically through various forms of tenuous housing and periods living on the street. They do not undergo a steady decline from a more stable to a less stable housing situation.
Project Number: 70072
Research Theme: Homelessness
Project Leader: Robinson, Catherine
Funding Year: 2001
Research Centre: UNSW-UWS
Research & Policy Bulletin
Issue 039: Cycles of homelessness
People with a mental illness can experience cycles or iterations of homelessness where they move chaotically through various forms of tenuous housing and periods of living on the street. They do not undergo a steady pathway or career from a more stable to a less stable housing situation.
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Description
This study aimed to improve our empirical and conceptual understanding of the precursors of homelessness among vulnerable groups. Such a study had not been undertaken previously in Australia. Specifically, the research aimed to improve understanding of the social, economic and cultural factors that cause homelessness among vulnerable populations, paying particular attention to the relationships between social exclusion and the risk of living in tenuous housing situations. The study drew on the concept of incipient homelessness to capture the precarious position of those moving through the marginal housing sector. The research focused the empirical analysis on a particular high risk group - people with mental health problems. The study aimed to provide AHURI with a major, internationally significant social scientific and exploration of a critical policy area. The study built upon findings and skill sets developed as part of AHURI 2000 round deinstitutionalisation study that was undertaken at the Urban Frontiers Program. The research aimed to provide a framework for the study of incipient homelessness in Australia that can be applied to a range of groups living in tenuous housing situations. This project therefore offered a unifying conceptual framework within which other specific studies of vulnerable groups could be situated. The major contributions of this study were therefore: A conceptual framework to improve understandings of the relationships between social exclusion and homelessness that can be applied to the study of groups in or facing precarious housing futures; A review of the current state and federal policy models and best practice approaches to the identification of incipient homelessness among high risk groups; A robust empirical study that will analyse causal patterns and produce generalisable insights on the triggers that drive the incipient homeless to move from one form of temporary accommodation to the next; Major insights both on the experiences of people in marginal housing and on the causes of incipient homelessness for a key client group, people with mental health problems; and Policy implications to prevent homelessness and provide sustainable solutions for those living in tenuous housing situations. The key output from the research included policy directions aimed at the prevention of homelessness and better delivery of housing assistance interventions to ensure vulnerable people are assisted to achieve stable and sustainable housing options. The following principal research questions formed the operational framework for the study: What are the economic, social and cultural precursors of homelessness, paying particular attention to the relationships between social exclusion and homelessness? Using people with mental health problems a case study of the incipient homeless, what events force vulnerable people to move from one source of shelter to the next? What are the federal and state policy models and best practice approaches to the identification of incipient homelessness among high risk groups? To what extent do these policies respond to the economic, social and cultural precursors of homelessness? What are the policy implications of these findings?More Information
Research and Policy Bulletin: Issue 039: Cycles of homelessness
85 KB PDF Document
Final Report: No. 045: Understanding iterative homelessness: the case of people with mental disorders
405 KB PDF Document
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