The Homeless Require More Than Shelter - Psychological Support is Crucial

Picture taken by Matt Collamer

The support services designed to assist the homeless may not always fulfill their psychological needs, possibly contributing to their emotional well-being difficulties.

Innately, some homeless individuals have difficulty accessing support services due to pre-existing psychological disturbances. Specifically, deeply-rooted homelessness frequently originates from factors affiliated with poor mental health such as childhood trauma, neglect, unstable attachments, and dysfunctional family dynamics (Seager, 2011). The reason individuals with a past of this type are unable to break out of this cycle of homelessness is due to the traumatic instances themselves. Such experiences often lead to a distrust of others, hence they are not likely to seek help from those who could help bring them out of their homelessness (Seager, 2011). In contrast, an individual who is both homeless and in better mental health will more likely seek help, increasing their chances of improving their current situation (Seager, 2011). Seager (2011) highlights the importance of building trust with these individuals so they take the initiative to visit a shelter independently, however, this psychologically-informed approach is not commonly practiced.

Naturally, some individuals are reluctant to seek help, and when they do take the initiative to reach out, the support they receive typically falls short of addressing their mental health needs (Seager, 2011). Based on their experience with a homeless charity, Seager (2011) states preexisting support services for the homeless primarily offer quick fixes, providing nothing but a room with a bed. The homeless need to be in an environment where they can thrive, which is one that feels like a home (Seager, 2011). Seager (2011) concludes this goal can be achieved in a number of ways such as homing up to a few residents to create a warm environment and fostering consistent relationships with the staff.

It is apparent that one’s surroundings are vital to their mental health. So, how can the environment be improved to provide psychological support to the homeless? Ajeen et al. (2023) looked into the impact of trauma-informed design in facilities, addressing psychological well-being that is not accounted for in other institutions such as shelters. The study examined how individuals felt after being given the freedom to design the interior of the shelter they were in (Ajeen et al., 2023). The researchers discovered participants felt a sense of dignity as the residents reported feeling like they were at home in the shelter; they felt secure due to the reduced outside noise the space provided and they felt hope as the space motivated them to find employment (Ajeen et al., 2023). This is understandable, given that Krabbenborg et al., (2017) concluded that the capacity to make choices for oneself can prevent psychological distress, as there is power in feeling competent.

Some individuals have difficulty escaping the cycle of homelessness they are in as a result of traits they inherited in the past. Unfortunately, certain support services that exist may not alleviate their situation as they are not designed in a way to do so. However, giving individuals the stylistic power to design their rooms and giving them opportunities to make choices for themselves increases the level of competency they feel. As a result, they feel like a valuable member of society and this can then prevent psychological distress.

Thus, while some homeless people are put at a disadvantage psychologically there is hope for them.

References

Ajeen, R., Ajeen, D., Wisdom, J. P., Greene, J. A., Lepage, T., Sjoelin, C., Melvin, T., Hagan, T. E., Hunter, K. F., Peters, A., Mercer, R., & Brancu, M. (2023). The Impact of trauma-informed design on psychological well-being in homeless shelters. Psychological Services, 20(3), 680–689. https://doi.org/10.1037/ser0000724

Krabbenborg, M.A.M., Boersma, S.N., van der Veld, W. M., Vollebergh, W.A.M., & Wolf, J.R.L.M. (2017). Self-determination in relation to quality of life in homeless young adults: Direct and indirect effects through psychological distress and social support. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 12(2), 130-140. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2016.1163404

Seager, M. (2011). Homelessness is more than houselessness: A psychologically-minded approach to inclusion and rough sleeping. Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 15(4), 183-189. https://doi.org/10.1108/20428301111186822