1. Health
Many homeless people experience
issues with health including mental
illnesses. With limited knowledge of
transport and available services, this
reflects their ability to access health
services, and could lead to difficulties
in travelling to different health
services for assistance.
Without health insurance the high
costs of treatment services
contributes as another factor leading
to low wealth, which could lead to
homelessness
2. Housing
As shelter is one of the basic
human needs. A significant cause of
homelessness is the lack of
affordable and safe housing. The
Supported Accommodation
Assistance Program (SAAP)
provide transitional supported
accommodation and related
support services to the homeless or
those of becoming homeless. The
government also assist eligible
people affected by domestic
violence or other exceptional
circumstances to start a new home.
3. Security and
safety
To not have the simple basic needs met, similar to shelter, food, and
water, this provides little security or safety of a homeless person/people. It is
difficult to create long-term plans whilst being homeless as it is an
unpredictable way to live. The homeless must constantly be aware of others
who may steal what little possessions they have or hurt them physically. The
work of charities and government organisations is essential to provide some
hope for the homeless to improve their position.
4. Self-esteem
Many people experiencing chronic homelessness often have
very few social connections. This may be due to the lost of
communication with family, friends and community contacts.
They may feel socially isolated. The self-esteem of homeless
people are usually very low, and may be aggressive towards
support services because of their previous experiences. If
the person became homeless due to an abusive
relationship, they would have to have support to overcome
the feelings that could’ve been factors to lead to
homelessness; such as guilt, anger, fear and depression.
After overcoming these emotions, they can begin to rebuild
their life.
5. Sense of Identity
With no permanent residence, little or no wealth, and limited social
connections, the homeless have little sense of identity. It is easy for
them to become nomads, and become unseen in todays society. With
the help from services, organisations, compassion of the society and
the government their status of being homeless can be improved greatly.
Assisting this group to learn the necessary skills to gain employment,
seek medical attention if needed, develop positive relationships and a
secure accommodation are all important to develop a positive sense of
identity for the homeless.