The Impact of Relationships on the Homeless Experience

Experiencing homelessness is a challenging ordeal. However, amidst the problems, there are ways to alleviate the negative emotions associated with it, particularly through intimate relationships. Research indicates that such connections have a positive influence on the homeless, specifically for women. Women acquire a variety of benefits from being in a relationship such as emotional and financial support. Thus, intimate relationships serve a greater purpose for those who are homeless than it may appear.

A study by Jones et al. (2012) discovered that, for some individuals, their partners provided them with the motivation to stir up change in their lives. Additionally, many women emphasized the vital role of relationships in providing a sense of social support (Jones et al., 2012). Significantly, one woman held her relationship so dearly that, when registering to stay in a shelter, she consistently identified herself and her partner as a couple, even though the shelter prioritized women (Jones et al., 2012). This decision meant that if space was limited, they would choose to leave together, believing their unity was more crucial (Jones et al., 2012).

Homelessness is often synonymous with instability (Watson, 2011). Yet, a woman named Nikita shared how her relationship provided her with stability even when she did not have proper shelter and family support amongst other things in her life (Watson, 2011). Thus, homelessness was not a difficult experience as long as one had a partner who could provide them with emotional support and stability (Watson, 2011). Another woman in this study said that having a partner while homeless allowed her to have a more positive view of things (Watson, 2011).

Alternatively, numerous others had varying reasons for remaining in their relationship. Specifically, a woman continued a relationship even after she lost romantic feelings for her partner because they had the financial means to support her (Jones et al., 2012). For Nikita and many others, homelessness becomes more bearable when accompanied by a partner who provides emotional support and stability (Jones et al., 2011). Others formed partnerships for safety in challenging environments (Stevenson & Neal, 2012). Notably, women reported engaging in sexual activities in return for basic necessities such as food and shelter (Czechowski et al. 2022).

While it is disheartening that some individuals enter into romantic relationships for reasons beyond romance, not all cases follow this pattern of course. Czechowski et al. (2022) identified 11 studies that conclude that, for many, relationships served as sources of love, and support.

Homelessness imposes unique challenges, including instability and a need for protection. Fortunately, intimate relationships can serve to fulfill these needs and can significantly improve the overall experience.

References

Czechowski, K., Turner, K. A., Labelle, P. R., & Sylvestre, J. (2022). Sexual and romantic relationships among people experiencing homelessness: A scoping review. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 92(1), 25–38. https://doi.org/10.1037/ort0000583

Jones, M. E, Shier, M. L, & Graham, J. R. (2012). Intimate relationships as routes into and out of homelessness: Insights from a canadian city. Journal of Social Policy, 41(1), 101-117. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0047279411000572

Watson, J. (2011) Understanding survival sex: Young women, homelessness and intimate relationships. Journal of Youth Studies, 14(6), 639-655. https://doi.org/10.1080/13676261.2011.588945

Stevenson, C., & Neale, J. (2012). "We did more rough sleeping just to be together” - homeless drug users’ romantic relationships in hostel accommodation. Drugs : Education, Prevention & Policy, 19(3), 234–243. https://doi.org/10.3109/09687637.2011.644824