Opinion: Five lessons the pandemic taught us about ending homelessness permanently

Jeremy Williams - Many countries will require a change in approach to get rid of street homelessness for good, says Research Associate Jeremy Williams (UCL STEaPP). One surprising success story to come out of the pandemic was how many countries and cities were able to significantly reduce street homelessness. Lockdowns enabled governments to treat homelessness as a public health emergency and act swiftly to accommodate and support people experiencing homelessness. There were two key fears when it came to homeless populations and the pandemic. First, that those who couldn't stay at home risked spreading the virus. Second, that those experiencing homelessness would be stigmatised as vectors of the disease, while also being cut off from access to food, support and shelter. Providing emergency accommodation, much of it in private rooms, and taking steps to prevent new homelessness helped alleviate these fears.