Stress among the Homeless

Abstract

In some ways, homelessness can be viewed as a situation of extreme poverty, thereby reflecting all of the same related health disadvantages. However, there are aspects of homelessness not necessarily encountered by housed people who are poor. These pose unique risks and challenges for health among the homeless generally, and their experience of stress in particular. Indeed, homeless people report significantly higher levels of stress than do housed low‐income people, and this is especially true among children. Focusing primarily on the United States, this entry explores ways in which stress results from the condition of homelessness, its effects on the health of homeless people, and the mechanisms of coping that they employ.

Design for Homeless (DfH): A capstone experience

“…Consideration of the diversity of users, stressors related to homelessness [9], and geographic location of the small unit provided appropriate interior materials and a color scheme for the prototype. The paint used for the interior including the walls, the ceiling, and the floor was a liquid rubber, a product that is water based, waterproof, chemical resistant, and has low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds).…”