The dynamics of homelessness

Homelessness is a dynamic process, the analysis of which requires examination of individuals’ movements into and out of housing states and locations over time. There is a growing recognition that homelessness research needs to shift its focus from static to dynamic perspectives. In this chapter of the Handbook, we present a stocktake of the quantitative empirical literature on homelessness dynamics and offer some empirical insights based on a novel Australian longitudinal data set (Journeys Home). We offer two perspectives on dynamics: one temporal, the other spatial. The temporal dimension is introduced by describing some key concepts critical to an understanding of individual homelessness dynamics as they unfold over time, before turning to a review of key studies in the literature including those using the Journeys Home panel data base. Spatial dynamics are taken up in the second half of the chapter where the focus is on mobility across regional and housing market boundaries, and how structural geographic factors may impact on homelessness status. We review key studies in the literature before offering a descriptive analysis drawn from Journeys Home. The chapter concludes by drawing potentially important implications for policy and identifying gaps in the evidence base that deserve attention from researchers.