Housing and Labour Market Drivers of Housing Loss and Homelessness

James O'Donnell , Australian National University

In this study, I propose a conceptual model describing the processes through which disadvantaged populations experience housing loss and homelessness. Transitions into homelessness are hypothesised to be the product of two interconnected process: 1) the loss of previous accommodation, including through eviction and relationship breakdown; and 2) a transition into one of several potential housing/homelessness states. I test aspects of this model by analysing associations between public and community sector housing support, labour market transitions and housing loss and the factors associated with entry to different states. I apply a multistate model to longitudinal data on a sample of disadvantaged adults in Australia. Privately rented housing and job loss are significantly associated with contemporaneous housing loss. Personal, interpersonal and economic vulnerabilities are moderately associated with entries to homelessness and doubling up. These findings point to the important multidimensional dynamics that shape housing and homelessness pathways among disadvantaged populations.

See extended abstract

 Presented in Session 8. Economy, Labor Force, Education, & Inequality