Discrimination and Homelessness: The Impact of Well-Being

Homelessness is not just a lack of shelter- but rather a profound state of vulnerability that exposes individuals to various forms of discrimination and societal marginalization. Discrimination against people experiencing homelessness exacerbates the already precarious circumstances, impacting their overall well-being while also perpetuating cycles of poverty and exclusion. We must highlight their systemic barriers and the urgent need for societal change.

Discrimination can manifest in multiple ways, such as overt acts of hostility and systemic injustices embedded within social structures. The research article by Melissa Johnstone et al. (2015) discusses how homeless individuals are often subjected to stigmatization, prejudice, and mistreatment due to their housing status. They face discrimination in domains such as employment, healthcare, housing, and interactions with law enforcement. This experience can take a significant toll on the well-being of these individuals, aggravating existing challenges and contributing to poor mental and physical health outcomes. This constant exposure to hostility and rejection erodes self-esteem and increases feelings of hopelessness and despair. 

Johnstone et al. (2015) state that systemic changes are the most important to address discrimination and promote the well-being of homeless individuals. Policies and programs must be implemented to dismantle structural barriers and foster a more inclusive society. This includes initiatives to combat housing discrimination, improve access to affordable housing and supportive services, and provide anti-discrimination training to service providers and law enforcement personnel. It's essential, especially in healthcare settings, due to the frequent assumption that people within this demographic are often drug-seeking when seeking medical care. Not only is this approach perpetuating stigma and preventing those less fortunate from receiving the necessary care, it can also be traumatizing for the individual. 

Johnstone, M., Jetten, J., Dingle, G. A., Parsell, C., & Walter, Z. C. (2015). Discrimination and well-being amongst the homeless: The role of multiple group membership. Frontiers in Psychology, 6. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00739 https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00739