Understanding Double-Up Homelessness and Its Impact

Definition

Double-Up Homelessness refers to individuals or families who live with friends, relatives, or others due to economic hardship or lack of housing options, without the security of tenure. This form of hidden homelessness often goes uncounted in official statistics.

Description

A less visible form of homelessness significantly affects numerous communities worldwide. Despite its prevalence, it often remains overlooked in homelessness statistics since these individuals and families technically have a roof over their heads. Nevertheless, their living conditions are frequently precarious, marked by overcrowding, lack of privacy, and insecurity due to the absence of tenure rights. This temporary and unstable arrangement is born out of necessity, underscoring the social and economic challenges many face in secure housing accessibility.

Objectives

• Highlight the reality and its impact on individuals, families, and communities.
• Advocate for the inclusion of Double-Up Homelessness in official statistics.
• Promote increased access to affordable housing and related resources.
• Address the systemic issues of poverty, unemployment, and social inequality that contribute to Double-Up Homelessness.

Mechanisms

• Data collection and analysis on the extent of the problem.
• Policy reform to include the problem in official counts of homelessness.
• Increased public and governmental funding towards affordable housing and socio-economic support.
• Community outreach and awareness initiatives to address the stigma associated with this problem.

Benefits

• More inclusive understanding and representation of homelessness in society.
• Increased aid allocation and resources targeting hidden forms of homelessness.
• Greater societal and policy attention to systemic issues driving Double-Up Homelessness.
• Enhanced social support and less stigmatization for those experiencing Double-Up Homelessness.

Challenges

• The invisibility and often transient nature of Double-Up Homelessness makes data collection difficult.
• Societal stigma and misunderstanding connected to homelessness can create barriers to policy reform and resource allocation.
• Addressing systemic issues such as poverty and affordable housing shortages requires long-term commitment, coordination, and substantial investment.

Examples

• A family losing their home due to financial difficulties and temporarily residing with relatives.
• Unemployed individuals who have to share their friend's apartment due to a lack of alternatives.

Further Reading

1. The State of Homelessness in America
2. Behind Closed Doors: A Look at 'Hidden Homelessness
3. Counting those missed in Point-In-Time (PIT) homelessness snapshots