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Homeless individuals, families and communities: the societal origins of homelessness

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This article uses case histories to document the experiences of 30 homeless people from a range of backgrounds in Pretoria and Rustenburg, South Africa. Factors that contributed to their becoming homeless were poverty, unemployment, a lack of affordable accomodation, divorce, disability, illness and an underprivileged childhood. More than one half of the interviewees reported growing up in dysfunctional families. There was evidence of solidarity among homeless people, especially those living in shelters, and there were informal networks for identifying job opportunities. Many of the interviewees hoped to improve their circumstances by finding affordable accommodation or some form of employment or receiving a state grant.

Source: Human Science Research Council SA

DOI: 10.14749/30000790

Author: Human Sciences Research Council

Language: English

Topic: Homelessness and Social Issues

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: No poverty, Reduced inequalities, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: green

Funder: Human Sciences Research Council

OpenAlex ID: W7078489659

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