Housing First and the Maddening Myths of Homelessness
Piers Gooding, ‘Housing first and the maddening myths of homelessness’ (2018) 31(8) Parity 31
3 Pages Posted: 7 May 2021
Date Written: October 1, 2018
Abstract
Homelessness and mental health are connected, but not in the way many people are led to believe. In Australia, according to Guy Johnson and Chris Chamberlain, ‘it is widely believed that most homeless people have mental health issues and that mental illness is a primary cause of homelessness’. One study, which is indicative of the broader field, characterises homelessness as a ‘persistent public mental health concern’. However, a growing body of research has challenged this characterisation. The rise of ‘Housing First’ principles in homelessness policy have further tested this persistent myth. Housing First focuses on providing people with a secure and permanent place to live, including ensuring people can afford to pay full market rent, before attempting to solve other challenges like mental health issues, disability support needs, employment, and addiction. From this view, the solution to homelessness – without exception or preconditions – is housing itself.
Keywords: homelessness, mental health, housing first
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