Shan-Yi Bong, Rachel Gregory, Domonic Hung and Jiahui Ren
London School of Economics
To consider the social dimensions of homelessness, examining the impacts
and changing nature of social networks on the reintegration process.
 Qualitative research design and thematic analysis
 8 semi-structured interviews with residents from a homeless hostel
 Most research and policy tackling homelessness largely focuses on
economic influences.
 Within the existing literature little research has been conducted on the
friendship networks of homeless people (Fitzpatrick et. al 2000). There is
some recognition that there is a community on the street and that
homeless people depend on these friendships (Wasserman 2010).
3. Hostel Relationships:
Theme:
Sub-theme:
Residents Different
Expansion
Genuine
Supportive
Shared Goals
Instrumental
To settle in
Lack of support and were difficult to maintain once participants became
homeless.
“You can only put up with stuff so long” – Brian
To avoid loneliness
Reluctance to form To focus on own progress
Avoiding loneliness Didn’t share goals
Independent
Staff
Supportive
Participants had experienced a mix of strong and weak social networks.
But social isolation was common and often a conscious choice.
“No, I wouldn’t say friendships – acquaintances, yeah, but no, no real
friendships yeah.” – Dave
“So one minute you’d be swearing your undying love for a pal on the
street and the next minute he could have a knife at your throat.” – Gary
Social networks changed upon entering the hostel, expanding for most
participants. Participants ‘drifted’ from street networks, and some were
reluctant to form new relationships, but these tended to be more
supportive, especially with hostel staff.
“Basically I keep myself to myself… cause I just want to sort my life out,
get my kids back.” – Cathy
“And they give you solutions… and they remind you that your friendships
were actually unhealthy for you at the time.” – Gary
2. Street Relationships:
Theme:
Sub-theme:
Isolation
Independence
Lack of trust
Safety
Avoid trouble
Abuse
Weak Network Encouragement and understanding
Avoiding loneliness
Most participants were keen to form new relationships and were confident
about the prospect of doing so.
“No, I had lots of friends at school.” – Anne
Strong Network Occasional friendship and camaraderie
Harmful; drug and alcohol abuse
Dysfunctional; danger from other agents in network
Not real friends despite occasional warmth
Due to the heterogeneous sample, the variety of responses obtained showed there is no common form of social networks for all homeless people.
However, some common themes emerged.
 Networks did not remain constant for any participant.
 The composition and nature of networks changed throughout the
process.
 Participants’ perceptions towards networks changed. Street
relationships were perceived as less valuable and carried little emotional
weight.
 Findings offer new insights into the complex role social networks play in
the reintegration process.
 Supportive relationships are beneficial where resources are available
but remain uncommon until relationships with support staff and groups
are developed in hostels.
 Apart from social networks, some participants identified selfdetermination, personal characteristics and professional help as more
important factors.
 As most participants were current hostel residents, a longitudinal study
would be desirable to track their progress in the future.
References: Fitzpatrick et al. (2000) Single Homelessness: An Overview of Research in Britain, The Policy Press: Bristol, Wasserman, J. A. (2010) At Home on the Street, Lynne Reinner Publishers Inc