Different language around homelessness 'has measurable impact', says charity

People care more about people who “experience” homelessness than people described as “homeless”, according to a new study. Picture: Yui Mok/PA Wire

People care more about people who “experience” homelessness than people described as “homeless”, according to a new study.

The Simon Communities of Ireland survey of 1,022 people also found that most respondents identified the Government and the economy as the main causes of homelessnessness.

Two in 10 people surveyed for IPSOS B&A also felt people who experience homelessness have themselves to blame.

The survey, which examined how individuals described as “a homeless person” or “a person experiencing homelessness” were viewed, found clear differences in how respondents reacted to certain scenarios depending on the language used.

Some 24% of respondents who saw someone described as “a homeless person” saw them as more likely to blame for their own housing situation than someone who was described as “a person experiencing homelessness”.

It also found that 20% of respondents who saw someone described as “a person experiencing homelessness” were less likely to view them as responsible for their situation.

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Simon Communities of Ireland executive director Ber Grogan said: “We, as a society, have some learning to do around language when it comes to homelessness, as the findings confirm that it has a measurable impact on public attitudes towards homelessness.

“Describing someone as 'a person experiencing homelessness' leads to greater empathy and concern for their wellbeing, while 'homeless person' is more likely to trigger perceptions of personal responsibility and blame.

“The wording evokes small but meaningful differences in perception of individual responsibility for their housing situation and feelings of care."

The findings have important implications for public discourse, media reporting, advocacy, and policy communication, Ms Grogan said.

“Thoughtful, person-centred language can help reduce stigma, foster empathy, and encourage a more compassionate and informed response to homelessness.” 

Record numbers

The number of people homeless in Ireland exceeded 17,000 for the first time last month.

The latest monthly figures from the Department of Housing showed there were 17,112 people in emergency accommodation in January, with 11,793 adults and 5,319 children, a new record high.

The figure includes 2,555 families, of which 1,442 are single-parent families.

The previous record was the 16,996 people in emergency accommodation at the end of November.

Fears have been expressed since the beginning of the month that even more people could lose their homes after the Government’s new rental rules kicked in.

Tenant advocacy organisation Threshold found last week that the stock of short-term rental homes shows that there are now at least four times as many Airbnbs as full-time private rental properties available nationwide — 8,600 versus 2,100.

The charity’s chief executive, John-Mark McCafferty, said that the figures show “every policy lever available” needs to be pulled in order to increase supply and ease the chronic lack of rentals.