A rapid review of practices to support people experiencing homelessness during COVID-19

Purpose People experiencing homelessness are uniquely vulnerable to the impacts of a pandemic, such as COVID-19. Therefore, governments across Canada have been implementing a patchwork of responses to address the needs of those who are homeless at this time. The purpose of this study is to both comp...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Housing, care and support care and support, 2021-12, Vol.24 (3/4), p.105-122
Main Authors: Oudshoorn, Abe, Benjamin, Tanya, Smith-Carrier, Tracy A, Benbow, Sarah, Marshall, Carrie Anne, Kennedy, Riley, Hall, Jodi, Caxaj, C. Susana, Berman, Helene, Befus, Deanna
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Collaboration
Communication
Coronaviruses
COVID-19
Disease prevention
Disease transmission
Fairness
Government
Health disparities
Homeless people
Hotels & motels
Housing
Industrialized nations
Information sharing
Local government
Pandemics
Planning
Population
Public health
Responses
Social media
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Summary:Purpose People experiencing homelessness are uniquely vulnerable to the impacts of a pandemic, such as COVID-19. Therefore, governments across Canada have been implementing a patchwork of responses to address the needs of those who are homeless at this time. The purpose of this study is to both compile and assess the varying responses by exploring the breadth of actions presented in print and social media. Design/methodology/approach Rapid review methodology is a means of compiling a breadth of information to compare and contrast policy implementations. Herein, the authors provide a comprehensive rapid review of responses to homelessness considered through a health equity lens. Findings Based on policy implementations to date, the authors offer eight recommendations of potentially promising practices among these responses. Situated within a capabilities approach, the authors call upon governments to provide a full breadth of responses to ensure that both health and housing are better protected and obtained during the COVID-19 pandemic. Originality/value This paper presents the first comprehensive review of local government responses to homelessness in the context of COVID-19.
ISSN:1460-8790
2042-8375
DOI:10.1108/HCS-11-2020-0018