The meaning of home for houseless people: a thematic synthesis of the literature

An estimated 2% of the world’s population is thought to be houseless (United Nations, 2005), with 1.6 billion people estimated to be living in inadequate housing (United Nations, 2022). To better understand their needs, researchers have explored the meaning of ‘home’ for houseless people through qualitative studies. Based on a systematic literature search, this thematic synthesis aimed to reflexively analyse the research on the meaning of home for people who are often described as ‘homeless’. Synthesising the data was hoped to strengthen the validity of findings, therefore improving the evidence base for services and policy makers who serve this population. Twenty studies were found and their quality assessed. Four interacting themes were developed: Home in time (past, present and future); Home in space; Home as people; Home in the self. The latter three themes align with themes found in reviews on the meaning of home for housed populations. While themes were consistent across different types of houselessness, participants varied in terms of exactly what conditions enabled these components of home to be realised for them. Findings can be used to inform how services help houseless people to feel at home, both in (temporary) housing and on the streets.