Do some people choose to be homeless?
Answer
No one chooses homelessness. It’s a circumstance people are pushed into, through an ever-decreasing lack of options.
No one chooses to have ongoing limited access to safe sleeping arrangements, privacy, storage for their belongings, fresh food, bathroom facilities, and protection from the elements. No one chooses to have increased exposure to judgement, and increased risk of violence, adverse health and wellbeing.
A ‘housing first’ model that meets people where they’re at – including supporting people who have experienced complex challenges to access and retain appropriate permanent housing – is crucial to achieving zero homelessness for our most vulnerable community members.