Volume 6, numéro 3, 2026

EN :

This editorial reflects on a theme that runs through the varied articles in this issue. Across every case, someone other than the person experiencing homelessness holds the authority to classify, place, or move them, and that authority is usually exercised at a distance from the realities of homelessness itself. Looking back to the author's own doctoral research on power in the care relationship, and on studies that examine shelter placement, the framing of homelessness and domestic abuse policy in Scotland, the policing of public space, mobility across London, and shelter-use categories in Toronto, the collection shows how discretion, policy design, and definitions each decide who help is for before the affected person can speak. The author argues that we too rarely ask who holds the power to define a person's situation, and whether that power is guided by policy, training, and accountability.

EN :

The use of homeless shelters is dynamic. On any given day, some of those occupying a shelter bed are staying in shelter for the first time, others are returning to shelter after time away, and still others are staying in shelter for the last time. Deriving a method for measuring the number of people leaving the shelter system for the last time is an essential step in understanding the reasons for those exits. Any approach for identifying permanent exits from a shelter system must face the challenge of right censoring, the fact that observations of permanent exits may occur after the end of one’s data set. This paper describes an approach for addressing the problem of right censoring and uses it to measure permanent exits from Toronto homeless shelters.

EN :

Following ongoing calls to better utilise theory and political science concepts in housing studies, recent years have seen a growing body of work exploring the multi-faceted ways that power relations are present in the housing sphere. This paper contributes to this literature by exploring the role of social and political power in the housing experiences of a marginalised group—specifically lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and additional people who identify as part of sexual and gender diverse communities (LGBTQ+) people. Applying Steven Lukes’ (2005) three-dimensional theory of power to interviews conducted with 20 LGBTQ+ people about their experiences of housing instability, we demonstrate the complex and varied ways that power is exerted within the housing system, and articulate how these dynamics construct conditions of marginalisation for LGBTQ+ people. We find evidence of all three dimensions—sometimes occurring simultaneously—in LGBTQ+ people’s experiences of housing instability. Our findings reveal the complex webs of power relations, the role of institutions, and the effect of repetition, which all serve to reinforce hetero- and cisnormativity in the housing domain. This paper shows the usefulness of both secondary data analysis, as well as applying and testing theory against data to provide a deeper understanding of the phenomenon being studied. This novel approach helps us to articulate and clarify the different power dynamics at play that create instability and marginalisation within housing markets.

EN :

The connections between housing and homelessness policy and policy focused on domestic abuse have become an increasing focus of academic debate in the last decade, fuelled by the increasing public and political profile internationally of violence against women and of domestic abuse. This paper examines drivers of connection and, indeed, disconnection between housing, specifically homelessness, policy and domestic abuse policy, focusing on how the problem of domestic abuse has been understood in the different policy spheres. It uses the case of Scotland, internationally recognised to be at the forefront of policy and legislative change for both policy domains. Since 2019, policy and legislative developments have emerged which focus directly on relevant policy connections or have significant implications for these. Using documentary analysis and interviews with key stakeholders, we examine problem (and solution) framing within two key documents emerging from the different policy spheres to determine whether they have developed in parallel or in dialogue.

EN :

The purpose of this study was to identify the age-related and cultural characteristics associated with the pathways into homelessness among young people in Japan who have experienced homelessness. Through interviews and questionnaire surveys, the findings revealed that family circumstances play a significant role in contributing to homelessness among youth. In addition, characteristics of Japanese society—namely, the cultural pressures of conformity and the ideology of individual responsibility— were also found to potentially influence pathways into homelessness. While family welfare functions as a social safety net that can help prevent homelessness among young people, the study found that youth frequently encounter exclusion from social systems, including access to housing and related supports. These findings suggest the need to socialize family functions within communities by developing support systems that enable all young people, regardless of whether they have family members they can rely on, to seek help when facing difficulties and to receive appropriate responses to their needs.

JA :

本研究の目的は、ホームレスを経験した日本の若者がホームレスに至った背景について年齢的・文化的な特徴を明らかにすることである。インタビュー調査とアンケート調査を通して、若者の家庭事情がホームレス状態になることに大きな影響を与えていることに加え、日本社会の特徴「同調圧力」と「自己責任」イデオロギーも影響を与えている可能性が示された。若年層のホームレス状態を予防することに家族福祉というセーフティネットが影響するが、若年層は住宅等の社会制度からの排除に遭遇していることがわかった。これらの結果は、頼ることができる家族の存在に関係なく、どんな若者でも困った時にSOSが出せ、それに応えることができる地域の家族機能を社会化する必要性を示唆している。

EN :

This study examined the extent to which five common stereotypes predict intentions to discriminate against PEH by the general American public. A national online survey of U.S. adults (N = 421) examined the extent to which five stereotypes of PEH could explain the variability in discriminatory intentions toward them, as measured by preferences for social distance from PEH and restrictions to their rights. A multiple linear regression found that stereotypes of PEH as dangerous, dirty or diseased, and mentally ill or substance abusers (MISA), significantly predicted discriminatory intent after controlling for sociodemographic and exposure to homelessness variables, whereas stereotypes of PEH as character defective (i.e., lazy; irresponsible) and Black did not. Further, the dangerous stereotype partially mediated the relationship between the MISA stereotype and discriminatory intent, suggesting that somediscriminate against PEH when they assume PEH are MISA in part because they believe MISA are dangerous.

EN :

The relationship between homelessness, violence and crime is often depicted as closely intertwined, however the specific nature and extent of victimisation in the lives of people experiencing homelessness remains significantly under-researched. This is particularly true in South Africa where scant and small-scaled research dominates exploring vulnerability to victimisation among homeless populations, resulting in a large contextual gap, minimising the consideration and prioritisation in mainstream legislation, policy and subsequent interventions. The present study aimed to determine the experience of victimisation and service needs of individuals by employing a survey research design with a quantitative approach, a questionnaire was used to collect data from 150 individuals, which allowed for the extraction of descriptive statistics and personal accounts to illustrate the lived experiences of respondents. The identification of unique pathways into homelessness allowed for the improved understanding of the prevalent root causes that could potentially manifest and present itself as risk factors, altering the level of vulnerability among the exposed individuals. The results revealed that a substantial proportion of the sample had experienced victimisation (59.7%). Furthermore, through an emancipatory and empowering approach, the paper incorporates valuable personal accounts from respondents based on their lived experiences facing homelessness, victimisation and the barriers they may encounter with regards to access to services.

EN :

Introduction: Transgender women are 50% more likely to experience challenges accessing inclusive services due to inadequate housing placements compared to the cisgender population (King et al., 2024). The purpose of this generic qualitative study included exploring administrator experiences of coed homeless facilities determining housing placement decisions for transgender women. Queer theory was the framework for the study. Method: The qualitative generic study design encompassed 10 telephonic interviews with participants selected through snowball sampling. The interviews were transcribed, and several iterations of coding, categorizing, developed significant themes relevant to the research question. Results: The findings included that half of participants reported a lack of policies and training related to service provision for homeless transgender women in coed homeless settings and 60% of participants reported full administrator discretion in decision-making. Conclusion: The results included the increased need for inclusive services for homeless, transgender adults as they comprise approximately 30% of the homeless population (Ecker et al., 2019). This research has implications for influencing organizational leaders in developing policies and resources for the homeless transgender community. Lastly, inclusive systems of care are needed minimizing hardship and building confidence in administrators serving the transgender population.

EN :

Introduction: In-shelter drug poisoning management programs have the potential to provide a timely response to drug poisonings in emergency shelters. Methods: This qualitative descriptive study aimed to explore the implementation of such a program in Calgary, Canada -- the Riverfront Dynamic Overdose Response Capacity (DORC) program -- through the perspectives and experiences of staff involved in its development and delivery. Data collection involved 17 interviews and six field observations, which were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Five themes were found, including the benefits of the Riverfront DORC program; unintended consequences of the restriction of service policy; the perceived lack of implementation strategies for communication; challenges stemming from competing organizational needs; and tensions between harm reduction versus organizational policies. Conclusion: Despite participants’ recognition and appreciation of the program’s benefits, implementation challenges arose due to insufficient consideration of how to address challenges faced by staff at the frontlines, some, but not all, of which were within the program planners’ control.

EN :

Access to safe, adequate, and affordable housing is a fundamental human right, yet homelessness remains a persistent global issue. This study employs a comparative qualitative design using the Most Different Systems (MDS) approach to examine homelessness and housing policies in Iran and Canada. Data were collected through document analysis and secondary analysis of policy documents, statistical databases, academic literature, and official reports. The comparative analysis focuses on three dimensions: economic and homelessness indicators, housing policies and programs, and prevention and intervention approaches. Findings indicate that while both countries struggle with housing affordability Iran faces a more severe socio-economic context characterized by rising poverty, inflation, and food insecurity. Canada maintains a national system for homelessness data collection and classification, whereas Iran lacks a unified definition and systematic data collection. Available data indicate that approximately one in every 150 people in Canada experiences homelessness, while the analysis conducted in this study suggests that around one in every 100 people in Iran may experience some form of homelessness annually; however, this figure should be interpreted as a cautious approximation rather than an official estimate. Canada’s policy framework emphasizes prevention and personalized support through programs such as the National Housing Strategy and Housing First. Conversely, Iran continues to rely on supply-side, homeownership-focused policies, which have proven ineffective in reducing homelessness. The study concludes that Iran’s structural limitations and policy gaps contribute to a more critical housing crisis.

EN :

Housing has been identified as a social determinant of health, and its impact on people’s well-being, autonomy, sense of connection, safety and social participation have been established. Canada is currently encountering a housing crisis with homelessness as its sharpest edge with significant numbers of people experiencing homelessness and growing demands for shelters and other services. This project used a qualitative approach to explore the complex interplay of factors that shape experiences of homelessness, specifically with regard to accessing support systems and transitioning into stable housing situations. Twenty-seven individuals experiencing homelessness participated in in-depth interviews, each analyzed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Three superordinate themes were developed from the interviews, including: 1) Homelessness as a moral experience, 2) The double edge of supportive services, and 3) Managing apprehensions and mobilizing resources towards a housed future. These themes highlight the precarity of fairness, justice, and dignity within relationships between persons experiencing homelessness and service staff. Findings from the study have valuable implications as they reveal the importance of a moral ground that preserves respect, trust, and dignity within spaces of support service delivery for people experiencing homelessness.

EN :

Internationally and in the United States, adults aged 55 years and older are the fastest growing demographic of people experiencing homelessness, and dementia is thought to be a risk factor for homelessness. In a descriptive implementation study, a dementia and cognitive impairment screening program utilizing the tablet-based Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was implemented in work processes of professionals across four homeless service agencies in Phoenix, Arizona. Using a sequential mixed methods design, the program’s feasibility and acceptability were evaluated by interviewing and surveying homeless services’ staff and unhoused older adults. In the implementation period of three months, 152 out of 203 (74.9%) screenings were positive for possible dementia or cognitive impairment but did not include diagnostic confirmation. Of the 203 undergoing screening, 86 completed the After Scenario Questionnaire (ASQ), and responses indicated satisfaction with the tablet technology’s convenience and ease of use. Staff interviews (n=5) revealed screening results can be used to understand clients’ needs to connect them with medical and social supports. Principal study limitations are low response rates to the ASQ and staff interviews. Screening is feasible and acceptable in community-based settings, offering opportunities to identify clients with cognitive vulnerability in efforts to resolve older adult homelessness.

EN :

Homelessness is a problem throughout the United States (U.S.), challenging practitioners, policymakers, and academic disciplines alike. At the community level, understanding perceptions of homelessness, homelessness policies, and people experiencing homelessness (PEH) provides a foundation for scholars, policymakers, and voters to draw from when working toward solutions. This study aims to add nuance to scholarship on perceptions of homelessness by analyzing qualitative data from voting-aged students on an urban campus in Denver, Colorado, a city that hosts one of the nation’s largest populations of PEH. Through between-subjects analysis, we identify a dominant theme of othering PEH; that is, participants used language that distances or differentiates people who are and are not experiencing homelessness. Our within-subject analysis reveals internal conflicts between participants’ beliefs about the primary cause(s) of homelessness and their proposed mitigation or solution strategies. Implications for theoretical development and policy evaluation are discussed.

EN :

Point-in-time (PiT) counts remain key tools for understanding homelessness, yet variable reporting hinders comparisons. 2024–2025 Canadian PiT counts from 112 communities, part of a nationally consolidated effort, were retrieved to provide community-level absolute numbers and estimate point prevalence, unsheltered proportions, and annualized change accounting for differing reporting intervals and underlying population change. Community characteristics, including region, Designated Community status, population size, and years since last count, were examined using non-parametric tests and a general linear model. Collectively, 75,885 individuals experiencing homelessness were enumerated in 2024-2025. Point prevalence ranged from 0.05% to 1.64% (median: 0.36%), with higher rates in smaller, rural, northern, and remote communities. Of the 97 communities with prior counts, 71 (73%) showed an annualized increase (mean +23%), while 26 (27%) showed decreases (mean −7%). In adjusted models, population size and region were significantly associated with point prevalence, while region and years since last count was associated with annualized change. Consolidated 2024–2025 PiT counts reveal substantial geographic heterogeneity and suggest that homelessness is increasing, overall. While large cities account for most people enumerated, smaller and remote communities face higher point prevalence. These findings underscore the importance of standardized enumeration and robust reporting to support policy development and resource allocation.

EN :

Understanding how people experiencing homelessness navigate urban space remains methodologically challenging, with most research relying on retrospective accounts that may obscure the spatial and temporal dynamics of daily survival. This study advances homelessness research by integrating longitudinal Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking, Geographic Information System (GIS) heat-mapping, and trajectory-based walking interviews to generate fine-grained, real-time spatial data on mobility, safety, and service access. Conducted in partnership with a local homelessness charity in outer London, the research tracked nine participants across three seasons over a three-month period. Findings reveal how mobility patterns reflect spatialised vulnerability, fragmented healthcare access, exposure to hostile urban infrastructure, and the tactical use of green and public spaces for survival and respite. By combining spatial analytics with narrative interpretation, the study demonstrates how static policy frameworks fail to capture the lived realities of mobile precarity. Methodologically, the paper contributes a replicable, ethically grounded model for integrating participatory GPS research into homelessness scholarship. Substantively, it provides new empirical insight into the spatial production of homelessness and the structural barriers embedded within urban support systems.

EN :

The impacts of extreme ambient heat (also referred to as extreme heat in this manuscript) and homelessness are severe as individual issues; when combined, they can be deadly. As extreme heat events become more common in the United States (U.S) and housing has become more difficult to obtain and maintain in an under-resourced market and social service context, we focus on how these two phenomena are understood in conjunction. Specifically, we sought to understand the state of literature on the effects of extreme ambient heat on people experiencing homelessness. To do so, we created a protocol based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Review and used this to guide our methodology. Four databases were searched including environmental and social sciences and one comprehensive database to capture relevant literature. We found 18 articles that met the review criteria, half of which were published in 2023 or 2024. While challenging to identify overarching themes with a small number of articles, environmental conditions, health outcomes, attitudes and behaviors related to heat and health, and interventions were the topics most commonly described. In many of the articles, people experiencing homelessness were not the population of focus and the perspectives and input from this population were notably minimal. Few studies disaggregated homeless results by race, ethnicity, and other factors, allowing for limited health equity analysis. Results of this scoping review suggest a need for more research on the effectiveness of interventions to mitigate the impacts of extreme heat for people experiencing homelessness and for the incorporation of the perspectives of people with lived experience.