Homelessness is regarded as a deviant lifestyle, often involving abuse of a range
of substances such as drugs or alcohol. Some homeless people live on the streets.
Some spend their nights in hostels that have open access. They may gain some
social contact here, but hostels are often understaffed and have limited resources to
help homeless people.
Some homeless people are, or have been, involved in crimes such as robbery or
violence. As a result, they are mistrustful of the police or any other organisation
representing authority.
Many of the homeless are people who have ‘fallen through the net’, in that they have
suffered from poor education, long-term unemployment and/or mental illness.
Some homeless substance abusers may feel excluHomelessness is regarded as a deviant lifestyle, often involving abuse of a range
of substances such as drugs or alcohol. Some homeless people live on the streets.
Some spend their nights in hostels that have open access. They may gain some
social contact here, but hostels are often understaffed and have limited resources to
help homeless people.
Some homeless people are, or have been, involved in crimes such as robbery or
violence. As a result, they are mistrustful of the police or any other organisation
representing authority.
Many of the homeless are people who have ‘fallen through the net’, in that they have
suffered from poor education, long-term unemployment and/or mental illness.
Some homeless substance abusers may feel excluded from society and may
welcome the chance to talk about their situation.