ScholarWorks@UNO

Homeless Voices Across the Nation

Six subtopics are found throughout homeless-related literature including definitions of homelessness, mental health, substance abuse, policy, housing models, and COVID-19. Through conduction of 323 homeless lived experience surveys across 15 diverse cities in the United States, this research has found assumptions and conclusions between firsthand perspective and literature’s subtopics. A major gap in literature exists with the inclusion of lived experience, as this was routinely an emphasized response from the homeless population themselves. Alternate needs and solutions were proposed from the participants which found general similarities to the subtopics and included significance of perceived apathy from politicians towards the homeless community. This research suggests a need for greater inclusion of lived experience in the policy making process, as well as throughout the literature for a more accurate depiction of what the population needs. The importance of such inclusion is vital due to the impact COVID-19 is projected to have on rising homeless population counts. While the six subtopics are critical to analyze throughout homeless-related research, the inclusion of lived experience is the largest gap, yet the most critical to fill in hopes of reducing homeless counts in the United States. Moreover, the in-field research found that majority of participants have never been asked to help in the political process, yet are willing to do so, particularly to share the unique lived experience, as someone living without housing.