Homelessness as a Human Rights Crisis: Trends, Impacts, and Policy Solutions

Did you know homelessness has reemerged as a pressing global human rights concern? This is even within nations with ample resources to address it effectively. Notably, homelessness remains largely shielded from human rights scrutiny. It is seldom recognized as a violation necessitating actionable measures from governments. The lack of safe and affordable housing not only signifies a failure to provide basic needs. Markedly, this implication also violates various human rights. Homelessness significantly impacts individuals' health. It infringes upon their right to the highest attainable standard of health. Tragically, homelessness imposes thousands of preventable deaths each year. This highlights the failure of states to protect the right to life adequately. Besides, the right to life encompasses more than mere survival. This right includes the fundamental principle that every individual has the right to live with dignity. Yet, only a minority of states have legislation granting homeless individuals access to affordable. They provide homeless people with adequate housing with privacy considerations. Besides, only a few courts have demonstrated the courage to compel public authorities to take meaningful action to address homelessness. This is based on international, constitutional, or national human rights mandates. This paper examines homelessness trends, their repercussions, and the best initiatives to address them.

Homelessness Trends

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development conducted a study on homelessness in 2022. The study revealed that over 580 individuals were experiencing homelessness across the nation. According to Security.org (2023), the rate reported marked an increase of around 2,000 people. This was after being compared to the entire year of 2020. Security.org (2023) reported that the percentage remained steady at 18% of the population. 60% found refuge in sheltered accommodations among those experiencing homelessness (Security.org, 2023). These accommodations encompassed transitional housing programs and safe havens. Other accommodations included emergency shelters. The remaining 40% were unsheltered. They were often found on the streets or within abandoned buildings. This breakdown shows a 3% increase in unsheltered homelessness (Security.org, 2023). Besides, it demonstrates a 2% decrease in sheltered homelessness. Notably, the availability of shelter beds has increased over the past two years (Security.org, 2023). This was due to emergency funding from the Federal CARES Act. However, this shift may also reflect pandemic-related restrictions leading to reduced occupancy.

Over a quarter of those experiencing homelessness in 2022 were families with children. Notably, these families had significant access to assistance. This was despite the daunting number of households without permanent homes. Approximately nine out of ten homeless individuals without sheltered accommodations were part of families (Security.org, 2023). Homelessness is a widespread issue. According to Evans et al. (2021), homelessness affects communities of all sizes and from different regions. However, some areas bear a heavier burden than others. Concentrated homelessness is influenced by several factors (Security.org, 2023). These factors encompass resource availability and climate conditions. Other factors include local economic challenges and housing markets. Markedly, the stereotypical image of homelessness often involves individuals on City streets. Nevertheless, the problem extends to suburban and rural communities as well. The majority of homeless individuals are found within urban areas. However, a significant portion resides in suburban and rural regions.

Impacts of Homelessness

Homelessness presents a significant global and public health concern. This issue impacts the well-being of those affected. Notably, individuals living in damp, cold, and overcrowded housing conditions face increased physical health risks (Fransham & Dorling, 2018). This also includes mental health pressures. Mental pressures blossom from personal debt and insecurity. Health issues associated with homelessness range from skin irritation and heightened mortality rates in cold weather. These extend to unintentional injuries and depression.

Across OECD countries, homelessness imposes substantial costs. It represents the most extreme form of social exclusion (OECD, 2020). According to the OECD, homelessness increases human costs (OECD, 2020). It causes elevated mortality rates. Homeless individuals are at greater risk of contracting diseases like sexually transmitted infections (OECD, 2020). They portray a higher likelihood of developing substance abuse disorders. Besides, individuals experiencing homelessness are often subjected to criminalization. They are subjected to victimization and inhumane treatment by public and private officials (Fransham & Dorling, 2018). This includes instances of forced institutionalization and arbitrary detention. Such treatment exacerbates the challenges faced by those already in vulnerable situations. They further undermine their dignity and rights.

Recommendations for Addressing Homelessness

The most effective policy solution to address homelessness centers around housing. Notably, homelessness stems from a lack of secure, stable, and functional housing (Baxter et al., 2019). Therefore, the most straightforward solution correlates with providing housing. This comprehensive approach encompasses various facets of housing policy (Evans et al., 2021). These facets include affordability and federal housing assistance. Permanent supportive housing and the housing-first approach align with these facets.

Affordable housing forms an essential initiative in preventing homelessness. This initiative can be accomplished through federal housing assistance programs (Baxter et al., 2019). Besides, it can be accomplished through permanent supportive housing initiatives and housing-first approaches. Federal housing strategies are particularly effective in reducing homelessness. This happens when they ensure that public housing is affordable for individuals (United Nations, 2022). Besides, the housing-first approach is another crucial initiative (Baxter et al., 2019). Notably, it forms a vital component of housing policy to reduce homelessness (Evans et al., 2021). This strategy directly transitions long-term homeless individuals into permanent housing (Baxter et al., 2019). This is mainly those with mental health or substance abuse issues. The transition is then followed by connecting them with support services.

Conclusion

In summary, addressing homelessness requires a multifactorial approach. The approach should recognize the fundamental human rights at stake. Homelessness signifies a failure to provide basic needs and also violates various human rights principles. This includes the right to life, dignity, and health. Notably, the trends demonstrate the pervasive nature of homelessness. As mentioned earlier, homelessness affects different communities globally. However, this issue disproportionately shows persistence within marginalized communities. Structural factors such as poverty and insufficient affordable housing contribute to its persistence. However, there are promising initiatives. These encompass affordable housing programs and the housing-first approach.