What is the relevance of human rights to reducing homelessness?
• The White Paper recognises that homelessness is not just a housing problem. It recognises that there are many drivers and causes of homelessness, including the shortage of affordable housing, long term unemployment, mental health issues, substance abuse and family and relationship breakdown. For women in particular, domestic and family violence is the main reason for seeking help from specialist homelessness services.[11] • The White Paper acknowledges that a person experiencing homelessness is likely to experience poor health and difficulty participating in employment or education. The White Paper further recognises that a stable home provides safety and security as well as connections to friends, family and a community.[12] • When a person faces homelessness, their human rights are at stake. A person who does not have a secure place to live may be hurt or sexually assaulted, have nothing or little to eat, and be unable to go to school or work. At the heart of being homelessness is
