Homelessness

Abstract

Homeless is an extreme form of social exclusion. The entry into and course of homelessness, is associated with negative health and social outcomes which do not occur in isolation from one another. Homeless persons commonly report experiencing substantial marginalization, financial insecurity, reduced opportunity for education and employment, engagement in health-risk behaviors, increased exposure to and possible engagement in violence, and increased risk for victimization. Consequently, homeless persons display a higher prevalence of reported morbidity and mortality. This entry begins with a discussion of international definitions and prevalence of homelessness, followed by an overview of so..