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Understanding iterative homelessness: the case of people with mental disorders

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posted on 2023-05-25, 19:59 authored by Catherine RobinsonCatherine Robinson

In a context of growing alarm about the large amount of homeless people with mental disorders, this research project aims to examine the experiences of those whose accommodation histories or biographies are marked by repeated or iterative homelessness. The term ‘iterative homelessness’ is used in the research to indicate a specific focus on trajectories of unstable and often unsafe accommodation constituted by constant movement through many different forms of accommodation, from rough sleeping to private rental to imprisonment. The aim of the research is to develop a better understanding of the range of factors underpinning this instability in the lives of homeless people with mental disorders.

Working closely with staff in accommodation and support services targeting homeless men and women, fieldwork teams surveyed 185 people with mental disorders and carried out 28 in-depth interviews focusing on more detailed individual accommodation histories. Fieldwork took place in both Sydney and Brisbane and included men (60%) and women (40%) aged 14- 63. The surveys and interviews focused on identifying the range of issues faced by homeless people with mental disorders, the supports people had, the different forms of accommodation moved through, the positives and negatives of particular places, the reasons for leaving accommodation, and the main barriers perceived to stand in the way of more stable accommodation.

In a context in which policy makers at national and state level are working towards the development and implementation of ‘whole-of-government’ responses to homelessness more generally, the documentation of range of issues contributing to repeated homelessness is critical. This research presents useful data as well as develops a conceptual framework for both understanding and responding to the dual contexts of homelessness and mental disorders.

History

Publication title

Final report

Commissioning body

Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute

Pagination

46

Department/School

School of Social Sciences

Publisher

Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute

Place of publication

Australia

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Provision of health and support services not elsewhere classified; Homelessness and housing services

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