Disability and Homelessness
September 20 2011
We’ve investigated the use of services by people with mobility, sensory and intellectual disabilities and examined the importance of gender and socio-economic disadvantage for the mental health of people living with disabilities.
Addressing Homelessness Amongst Persons with a Disability: Identifying and Enacting Best Practice (September 2011)
Baker, E. Batterham, D. Beer, A. Lester, L. Mallett, S. & Pate, A. (2011), Addressing Homelessness Amongst Persons with a Disability: Identifying and Enacting Best Practice, The University of Adelaide, Hanover Welfare Services, Melbourne Citymission, The University of Melbourne, Australia.
People with a disability are often particularly vulnerable when experiencing homelessness because many have low incomes, may not be able to get a job and have limited housing options. While much research focus has been given to the relationship between poor mental health and homelessness, people with other types of disability—physical, sensory, intellectual—are also at risk. The aim of this research is to understand the homelessness risks facing people with a disability and how best to meet their demands. This project addresses research priorities around improving service practice, understanding referral pathways through services, preventing homelessness through early intervention and identifying resilience and protective factors.
This research was funded by the Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs through the National Homelessness Research Agenda. It was delivered in collaboration with Melbourne City Mission, The University of Adelaide and Melbourne University.