A typology of multiple exclusion homelessness

Abstract

Quantitative exploration of sub-groups of people experiencing homelessness facing similar challenges, or multiple exclusion homelessness (MEH), is limited in Great Britain—as is discussion of what these groupings mean for policy and practice. Through secondary analysis of survey data from a study of single people experiencing homelessness in England, Scotland, and Wales, this paper aims to advance understanding of MEH. Using Latent Class Analysis, we explore several possible typologies of MEH before outlining a preferred typology composed of four groups: those facing high exclusion; those faced with low levels of exclusion; and two intermediate groups, one marked by trauma and mental ill-health, the other by offending and substance dependencies. When compared to international studies on MEH, findings point toward possible common combinations of exclusion amongst people experiencing homelessness drawn from different populations. The emergent policy and practice implications of this analysis demonstrate the value of scrutinising homelessness policy and practice internationally through a lens of MEH.