Analysis of Homelessness A Social Issue

Running Head: ANALYSIS OF HOMELESSNESS AS A SOCIAL ISSUE
Analysis of homelessness as a social issue
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ANALYSIS OF HOMELESSNESS AS A SOCIAL ISSUE1
By putting into use the statistical definition of homelessness defined by the Australian
Bureau of Statistics (ABS), it can be said that the situation in which a person does not have
any access to suitable accommodation alternatives; other than an inadequate dwelling or a
dwelling that has no tenure, or short time of tenure that is inextensible and puts restrictions on
the dwellers in terms of having access to space for establishing social relations
(homelessnessaustralia.org.au. 2020). This definition of homelessness by ABS takes into
account the understanding of the concept of homelessness not as ‘roof’lessness, but
‘home’lessness. Its emphasis remains on the core elements of a home as per the Anglo
American and European definition of home. Some other features that are considered to be a
part of the essence of ‘home’ are a sense of security, stability, privacy, safety, and the ability
to control the living space (homelessnessaustralia.org.au. 2020). Hence, a lack of any of these
elements is also considered a state of being homeless. According to the definition of
homelessness by (Mackenzie et. al., 2016) three categories have been used for recognizing
diversity in terms of homelessness.
 Primary homelessness is known to be an experience of people who are
surviving without any conventional mode of accommodation, for example,
rough sleepers, and those who live in improvised dwellings.
 Secondary homelessness is the experience of people who are always on the
move as they transfer from one temporary shelter to another, such as
emergency accommodation, youth refuges, couch surfing, etc.
 Tertiary homelessness is the experience of people who live in
accommodations that are considered to be below the minimum community
standards, namely, boarding housing and caravan parks
(homelessnessaustralia.org.au. 2020).

ANALYSIS OF HOMELESSNESS AS A SOCIAL ISSUE2
Many organisations are dedicated to improving the situation of the homeless in
Australia. However, the AASW (Australian Association of Social Workers) is the only
national organization that consists of social workers in Australia. They are heavily involved
in several community services such as health, family, child-welfare income support, and are
not just restricted to the private sector- but work for the public and non-profit sectors as well.
Many of the members are directly involved in the planning or delivery of housing support for
the homeless community.
Since housing brings along with it an immense amount of stress that is directly
proportional to the health, education, employment, along with the emotional wellbeing of
people and their families, it is the sheer determination and sense of dedication that enables the
social workers to work with individuals or groups, and communities. By doing so, they can
achieve equity in terms of access to every social, economic, and political resource, along with
housing resources of Australia (Horsell & Zufferey, 2017).
One of the main reasons that contribute to the ever-growing problem of homelessness
is poverty. These two issues are highly interrelated. Other factors include several social
issues, namely lack of proper and relevant education, opportunities for employment,
diminishing physical health, malnutrition, and high risks of substance abuse that make the
homeless community even more vulnerable. The key issues identified are the existence of
various perspectives on the topic, such as the causes of homelessness, and the differences
based on gender in the community of homeless people, along with the process of
victimization of the homeless population (Heerde, et. al., 2020). The themes of discussion
include the accommodation and housing issues along with the concept of homelessness, the
health and the needs of the community in general. Differentiation based on the two
approaches towards homelessness- “linear” service model, and “permanent supportive
housing” has also been discussed (Horsell & Zufferey, 2017). The Australian government’s