THE Housing Minister has published a formal definition of homelessness, which ‘can take on many forms’.
Deputy David Warr said there were four core areas: rooflessness, houselessness, living in insecure housing and living in inadequate housing.
He added: ‘Jersey is not exempt from the challenges of homelessness, which, as this definition shows, can take on many forms and requires varied types of support and accommodation solutions to help vulnerable Islanders who are homeless or threatened with homelessness.’
The government hopes that a more precise definition of the issue will better inform policies and procedures, and help secure accommodation.
World Homelessness Day takes place on Monday, which aims to raise awareness and help change the lives of homeless people in the community.
Deputy Warr said: ‘There is still much more we need to do in gathering data more effectively to understand the scale, so we can better address it.
‘This definition, which I’m publishing ahead of World Homelessness Day this coming Monday, will help with that important objective.’
The four core areas:
Rooflessness – without shelter of any kind, described by many as ‘sleeping rough’
Houselessness- with a place to sleep but temporarily in institutions or shelters
Living in insecure housing – threatened with exclusion because of insecure tenancies, eviction, or domestic violence
Living in inadequate housing- in caravans or illegal campsites, in unfit housing or in extreme overcrowding
