Barriers that disconnect homeless people and make homelessness difficult to interpret

Abstract

Homes are anchors of human life - whether they are permanent or temporary, are located in one place or are transported from place to place, are owned or rented, or are in planned communities or squatter settlements (Alterman, I., 1993. In Arias E G (Ed.), The meaning on use of housing: international perspectives, approaches and their applications. London: Avebury, ixx). This article discusses the definition, meaning and interpretation of 'home' and 'homelessness' based on theoretical constructs and homeless street people's perspective. It discusses the barriers that make homelessness difficult to interpret, such as negative, rejecting and unsympathetic perceptions versus positive, accepting and sympathetic perceptions. The article argues that the meaning and definition of 'home' or 'homelessness' should be contextualised within the broader issues of poverty, deprivation, socio-economic exclusion and, more recently, HIV/Aids. Furthermore, breaking down the barriers of labelling and stigmatisation of the homeless people will allow for a 'real' meaning and definition of home and homelessness. Any intervention with regard to homelessness must take cognisance of homeless people's perceptions.