Moving Beyond Deficit in Homelessness Services

Moving Beyond Deficit in Homelessness Services

In homelessness services, we often focus on vulnerability. We acknowledge the impact of trauma, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), addiction, and systemic inequality. We aim to create psychologically informed environments and utilise trauma-informed practice. We recognise that homelessness is not simply a case of personal circumstances but is often the result of deep-rooted societal and personal challenges.

But have we developed a culture that primarily sees those experiencing homelessness as victims? As people to be rescued and fixed?

Research shows a strong correlation between ACEs, trauma, poverty, and homelessness. Many people who find themselves without a home have experiences that have shaped their lives in difficult ways. However, this is not the whole story.

People experiencing homelessness are not defined by their experiences. They are individuals with skills, talents, and gifts. They have something to contribute to society, to their communities, to the world around them. Their lives are not just a collection of deficits but also a wealth of strengths. They are also people who can take responsibility and be actively involved in bettering their lives and situations.

In our practice, we must hold these two truths together. Yes, trauma and adversity matter. Understanding a person’s life helps us to shape compassionate, effective support. Trauma-informed and psychologically informed approaches are vital in ensuring we do not retraumatise or stigmatise. But people are more than their trauma. They have abilities, creativity, resilience, and worth that go beyond their past experiences. They are not just recipients of help; they are contributors to the life of our communities. They are people who can experience grace and embrace, alongside the need for challenge and transformation.

Homelessness services must be careful not to create a culture where people are seen solely through the lens of what has been done to them. Instead, we must help people recognise what they can do, what they have, and who they are. Our role is to empower, not to define people by their struggles. Our role is to journey with and not do for.

A truly effective homelessness service is one that not only understands trauma but also champions strengths. That helps people to build, not just to recover. That enables involvement and participation.

Let’s see people first.

(I even acknowledge the irony of referring to people as ‘them’ in this blog!)