Lessons Learned: COVID 19 and Individuals Experiencing Homelessness in the Global Context

Abstract

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has affected all our lives but did not affect all parts of societies equally. This study uses a systematic literature review approach to examine the experiences of homeless populations during COVID-19. Our literature review identified lessons learned and promising practices from the field at a global level, and summarizes academic studies in order to promote future efforts to prepare homeless populations for potential extreme events in the future. Forty-one of 209 articles were selected to prepare this literature review. Following the academic database search, grey literature from various organizations were also identified to enrich the literature results and analysis. Findings from these articles were grouped under three main themes to better illustrate the results: (1) impact of COVID-19 on people experiencing homelessness (PEH), (2) support mechanisms, and (3) promising practices. A comparative approach also was used to examine how PEH responded during two previous pandemics (severe acute respiratory syndrome [SARS] in 2003 and Swine Flu 2009) compared to the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings showed that there was continuous improvement in the disaster preparedness for PEH during COVID-19 when compared to past pandemics. In addition, promising practices have emerged. However, ongoing issues, such as lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), staff shortages, and communication problems, still persist in the field. More research regarding PEH during pandemics is needed, and their voices should be included.