The plight of homelessness is a multifaceted predicament that has a notable impact on a considerable segment of the populace across diverse nations. Although people who experience homelessness often have options at their disposal, a portion of this population actively elects to sustain their state of homelessness. This essay endeavors to scrutinize some rationales for a deliberate decision by individuals to persist in a state of homelessness, even when presented with viable alternatives.

There exists a plausible argument that individuals may elect to persist in homelessness due to a deficiency in confidence in the substitute options available to them. Individuals who suffer from homelessness may have previously encountered unfavorable occurrences with shelters or social services, which have instilled within them a perception that such provisions are not efficacious or secure. An investigation carried out in Poland revealed that homeless individuals tend to eschew shelters due to issues such as congested conditions, absence of privacy, and apprehension of theft or violent incidents. The sense of suspicion can likewise encompass governmental entities and welfare organizations, thus impeding individuals' willingness to solicit assistance from these channels.

A plausible factor contributing towards individuals opting to maintain their homeless status could be their yearning for self-governance or independence. Although shelters and social services may offer transitory alleviation from homelessness, they frequently entail policies and constraints that could be interpreted as constraining. It is conceivable that homeless persons express a strong inclination towards upholding their autonomy and asserting authority over their personal circumstances, even if it entails enduring homelessness as a means of securing such independence. The aforementioned research conducted in the United States revealed that homeless individuals tend to prioritize personal liberty and self-determination over the safety and steadiness offered by shelters, emphasizing a significant desire for autonomy.

Moreover, certain individuals experiencing homelessness may encounter obstacles related to mental illness or substance dependence conditions, impeding their ability to avail and engage with available alternatives. These individuals may necessitate tailored interventions or assistance that are not easily accessible through conventional shelters or social services. Regrettably, individuals who lack stable housing often encounter challenges in accessing mental health and substance abuse treatment.

The systemic predicament of homelessness is noteworthy, as it commonly stems from overarching societal dilemmas such as poverty, insufficient availability of reasonably-priced housing, and income disparity. Although there may be those who opt to maintain a state of homelessness in spite of having viable alternatives, it is imperative to delve into the underlying determinants of homelessness to guarantee that the provision of secure and sustainable housing is a universal attainability.

Ultimately, there exist several rationales that explain why certain individuals elect to persist in a state of homelessness, notwithstanding the presence of viable alternatives. The aforementioned rationales encompass a dearth of confidence in alternative options, a preference for independence, as well as concerns concerning psychological well-being or addiction. Addressing the underlying factors and striving towards offering secure and sustainable housing for every individual are imperative concerns.

Homeless by choice. Why?

Bibliography:

  1. Czyż, K., & Krajewska-Kułak, E. (2014). Homeless people's experiences with primary healthcare: A grounded theory study. Journal of advanced nursing, 70(6), 1369-1380.
  2. Hopper, K., Jost, J., Hay, T., Welber, S., & Haugland, G. (1997). Homelessness, severe mental illness, and the institutional circuit. Psychiatric Services, 48(9), 659-665.
  3. Kertesz, S. G., Larson, M. J., Horton, N. J., Winter, M., Saitz, R., & Samet, J. H. (2005). Homelessness and substance abuse: Which comes first?. Addictive behaviors, 30(6), 1374-1383.
  4. O’Flaherty, B., & Wu, H. (2021). Making room: The economics of homelessness. MIT Press.

Important words: 

homelessness, alternatives, autonomy, mental health, substance abuse, distrust, societal problems, poverty, affordable housing, income inequality.