Hidden homelessness refers to individuals who are without a permanent home but are not visible in traditional homelessness statistics because they are temporarily living with others, often without access to formal support systems.
Defining Hidden Homelessness
Hidden homelessness specifically describes the situation of individuals who lack a permanent residence and are therefore forced to live temporarily with friends, family, or acquaintances. This can involve "couch-surfing" or staying in various non-permanent arrangements. Unlike those who are unsheltered or in emergency shelters, these individuals are not easily identified as homeless because they are not living on the streets or utilizing official homeless services.
Why It's "Hidden"
The term "hidden" aptly describes this form of homelessness due to several key factors:
- Lack of Visibility: Individuals experiencing hidden homelessness are often unnoticed by the public and do not present in ways that typically signify homelessness (e.g., sleeping rough). Their temporary living situations make their struggles largely invisible to the wider community.
- Exclusion from Statistics: Because they are not accessing formal homeless support resources like shelters or outreach programs, they are generally not counted in national or local statistics on homelessness. This leads to an underestimation of the true scale of housing insecurity.
- Limited Access to Support: The lack of identification means these individuals often lack access to vital housing support resources, such as rental assistance, social housing programs, or specialized services designed for people experiencing homelessness. This perpetuates their cycle of instability.
The Impact of Hidden Homelessness
The prevalence of hidden homelessness highlights a significant gap in understanding and addressing housing insecurity. It affects a diverse range of people, including youth, families, and individuals fleeing domestic violence, who seek refuge in temporary arrangements to avoid more dangerous or visible forms of homelessness. Recognizing and addressing hidden homelessness is crucial for developing comprehensive solutions and providing support to all those experiencing housing instability.
For more information on the different types of homelessness, you can refer to resources from organizations like Comic Relief US.
