Problems faced by people who are homeless

The basic problem of homelessness is the human need for personal shelter, warmth and safety, which can be literally vital. Other basic difficulties include:

• personal security, quiet, and privacy, especially for sleeping
• safekeeping of bedding, clothing and possessions, which may have to be carried at all times
• hygiene and shaving facilities
• cleaning and drying clothes
• obtaining, preparing and storing food in small quantities
• keeping contacts, without a permanent location or mailing address
• hostility and legal powers against urban vagrancy.

Homeless people face many problems beyond the lack of a safe and suitable home. They are often faced with many social disadvantages also, reduced access to private and public services and reduced access to vital necessities:

• Reduced access to health care and dental services.
• Limited access to education.
• Increased risk of suffering from violence and abuse.
• General rejection or discrimination from other people.
• Loss of usual relationships with the mainstream
• Not being seen as suitable for employment.
• Reduced access to banking services
• Reduced access to communications technology