Conceptualizing Homeless Exits and Returns: The Case for a Multidimensional Response to Episodic Homelessness

Research indicates that homelessness is dynamic and that a significant number of homeless people have experienced multiple episodes of homelessness. This episodic nature of homelessness implies that the issue for such people is not only getting housing and exiting homelessness but staying housed or when there is a need to move, making a transition to another housing without returning to homelessness. This article describes a multidimensional conceptual model that was developed by synthesizing the theoretical and research literature on homelessness. Essentially, this model identifies four dimensions in society within which multi-layered factors that impact on housing outcomes are located. The multidimensional model underscores the fact that exits and returns to homelessness are determined by a complex interaction of individual and structural factors necessitating a multilevel and integrated response to episodic homelessness.