Homelessness is more than houselessness: a psychologically‐minded approach to inclusion and rough sleeping

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to identify and remedy a fundamental absence of psychological thinking in the current conceptual framework underpinning services for homeless people.

Design/methodology/approach

After describing the psychological limitations of current approaches to homelessness, an attempt is made to define what a psychologically‐minded service culture would look like and the concept of “re‐homing” is introduced. The concept of “psychologically informed environment” is explored as one important practical development in this direction. A brief case study is used to illustrate the power of re‐homing.

Findings

Findings and observations relating to the lack of psychologically‐informed practice within current approaches to homelessness and mental health are reported.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper lies in its identification of a clear psychological basis for limitations within the current service paradigm for homelessness people and its provision of a new and pragmatic concept of “re‐homing” based on the psychological‐mindedness that is already to be found in other aspects of human society and culture.

Citation

Seager, M. (2011), "Homelessness is more than houselessness: a psychologically‐minded approach to inclusion and rough sleeping", Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol. 15 No. 4, pp. 183-189. https://doi.org/10.1108/20428301111186822