Identity and everyday experiences of homelessness: Some implications for social work

Abstract

It is important for the complexities of homelessness to be considered when constructing policy or practice relating to people who are without safe and stable accommodation. These complexities can be loosely categorised around the definitions, causes and experiences of homelessness. While definitions and causes are topics of current debates, study of the lived-experiences of homelessness remains an area that is largely under-researched. This paper explores some of the implications for social work and social workers when the individual's understanding and experience of her/his identity as a 'homeless person' and consequent relationships with service providers are not factored into policy and practice. This article draws on the findings of a study of homeless adults in inner city Adelaide to illustrate the author's arguments. It outlines the importance of listening to service users' perspectives in order to assess whether dominant constructions of social work, homelessness and 'homeless people' are meeting the needs of and improving outcomes for individual clients. More broadly, it is hoped that making these perspectives visible will assist in the development of 'client-focused' practice and policy.

Home is Where the House is: The Meaning of Home for People Sleeping Rough

“…Despite living in dwellings which may not be perceived as homes, Newton (2008) found that people feeling safe and secure contributed to them developing emotional attachments of home to their caravans. Others have likewise shown that people defined as homeless may not actually feel homeless, but rather experience their accommodation or situation as home (Coleman, 2000;Memmott et al, 2003;Robinson, 2002;Veness, 1993;Wardhaugh, 1999;Zufferey & Kerr, 2004). Moore et al (1995), for example, suggested that people sleeping rough valued the control and independence rough sleeping afforded them.…”

On the frontline or on the side-line? Homelessness care and care avoiders

“…While these low threshold organisations often play an important role in the day-15 to-day routine and survival strategies of the homeless (Zufferey & Kerr, 2004), at the same time it can be observed that they risk tolerating the problem. As such, they could be seen to follow a specific conception of social justice and social integration largely based on individual choice and individual responsibility.…”

Homelessness in the Suburbs: Engulfment in the Grotto of Poverty

“…While important, something more than empathy is needed for them to escape poverty (Morse, Bottorff, Anderson, O'Brien, & Solberg, 2006;Zufferey & Kerr, 2004). Policies that advance equity and support from all levels of community are required.…”