How does temporary accommodation impact people’s health and wellbeing?

In a survey of Justlife clients (individuals living in Unsupported Temporary Accommodation) in 2013, 94% reported mental health issues (Not Home, 2014).

In our 2021 research, most of our research group experienced issues related to mental health such as isolation, loneliness, paranoia and anxiety (Hidden Homelessness Exposed, 2021).

Many residents with clinically diagnosed mental health issues such as depression, personality disorder, anxiety and psychosis find that their current living situation exacerbates their mental health issues.

Individuals in shared temporary accommodation usually have small rooms with basic furnishing. Some people end up spending most of their time confined to their rooms, with little to keep them occupied, and limited contact with others, which only compounds feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Stress is a common problem. Losing your home is already traumatising, and the chaotic living environment found in much of temporary accommodation can be re-traumatising for some people.

People who are homeless are more likely to experience health issues than the general population. 73% of people who are homeless face physical health problems (Homeless Link, 2014). The longer people remain without a home, the more health issues multiply, and the more difficult they are to overcome.

In our 2014 research, 30 out of 35 participants reported that their physical health was affected by the damp and poorly maintained conditions of their temporary accommodation. 22 felt that the food given, or kitchen facilities available, were inadequate to maintain a healthy diet (Not Home, 2014).

The physical health of participants was also affected by violence, conditions that hindered their recovery from injury or illness, and infestations (Not Home, 2014).