WHAT IS HOMELESSNESS?
Complex and Multifaceted
Homelessness is the condition of people without a regular dwelling. People who are homeless are most often unable to acquire and maintain regular, safe, secure and adequate housing, or lack "fixed, regular, and adequate night-time residence.
Homelessness is a complex and multifaceted issue that affects individuals not just in Jamaica, but also around the world. It is not just a matter of not having a physical roof over one's head, but also encompasses a lack of resources, support, and stability.
Homelessness has severe and far-reaching consequences for those experiencing it. It often leads to a lack of access to basic necessities such as food, clean water, and shelter, as well as exposure to dangerous environments and health risks. Homelessness can also have a profound impact on an individual's mental and emotional well-being, as the stress and instability of not having a place to call home can take a toll on one's sense of self-worth and identity.
Addressing homelessness requires a multifaceted approach that not only provides immediate support in the form of emergency shelters and housing assistance but also tackles the root causes of homelessness through systemic change and social support networks.
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FACTORS INFLUENCING HOMELESSNESS
Structural Factors are economic and societal issues that affect opportunities and social environments for individuals. Key factors can include the lack of adequate income, access to affordable housing and health supports and/or the experience of discrimination. Shifts in the economy both nationally and locally can create challenges for people to earn an adequate income, pay for food and for housing.
Systems Failures occur when other systems of care and support fail, requiring vulnerable people to turn to the homelessness sector, when other mainstream services could have prevented this need. Examples of systems failures include difficult transitions from child welfare, inadequate discharge planning for people leaving hospitals, corrections and mental health and addictions facilities and a lack of support for immigrants and refugees.
Individual and Relational Factors apply to the personal circumstances of a homeless person, and may include: traumatic events(e.g. house fire or job loss), personal crisis (e.g. family break-up or domestic violence), mental health and addictions challenges (including brain injury and fetal alcohol syndrome), which can be both a cause and consequence of homelessness and physical health problems or disabilities. Relational problems can include family violence and abuse, addictions, and mental health problems of other family members and extreme poverty.