Homelessness

Abstract

Defining ‘homelessness’ and the ‘homeless person’ might not be the most straightforward task. The definition of homelessness varies according to the person defining it, the purposes of defining it and the different lenses used to examine and describe the phenomenon and its prevention and management. Irrespective of whether one intends to explore or measure homelessness, the resulting outcomes will depend on the particular definition used and the approach taken. The way in which we define homelessness is important because, when attempting to quantify the number of homeless persons, results will depend on the definition and methods which are used to count the homeless. Adopting a narrow definition of homelessness risks ignoring the large number of persons living in dire conditions and situations and those who are far from living in safe and secure housing. A substantial proportion of the homeless population is not accessible to researchers. Most are invisible, sometimes also by choice, often due to embarrassment, stigma or unwanted social control. Those sleeping rough, those living in unstable housing arrangements, those living in vehicles and those doubled up with friends and family are excluded from being counted. Quantifying the homeless population in Malta is even more problematic. This is because data on homelessness is lacking, and also because very often the numbers of homeless persons presented by authorities merely reflect those persons reported to be sleeping outdoors.