By: Lorena Black

Homelessness remains a significant social issue affecting millions of individuals worldwide. However, while various programs exist to support specific groups within the homeless population—such as women, children, and families—single men, who constitute the majority of the unhoused population, often face unique challenges in accessing assistance. Some researchers argue that systemic biases in social services and policy structures contribute to a lack of adequate resources for homeless men, raising questions about whether societal perceptions of gender influence the distribution of aid (Barrow & Laborde, 2008). Understanding these disparities requires an examination of statistical trends, shelter policies, and the broader implications of gendered approaches to homelessness assistance.

Homelessness and Gender Disparities in Assistance

Studies consistently show that men make up the majority of the homeless population. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD, 2023), approximately 70% of individuals experiencing homelessness are male. Despite this, a significant portion of funding and shelter space is allocated to women, families, and specialized populations such as domestic violence survivors (Shinn & Khadduri, 2020). While these targeted interventions are crucial, critics suggest that the relative lack of gender-neutral or male-focused services may leave a substantial portion of the homeless population with fewer resources (Tucker, 2021).

For instance, research indicates that single men face more barriers in accessing emergency shelters and transitional housing compared to women and families (Culhane et al., 2013). Some programs prioritize women and children due to perceptions of heightened vulnerability, while single men are often expected to rely on general emergency shelters that may have limited capacity or stricter entry requirements (Herring, 2019). Additionally, men experiencing homelessness are more likely to have interactions with law enforcement due to policies that criminalize street homelessness, further complicating their ability to access stable housing (Gowan, 2010).

The Role of Gender Norms in Homelessness Assistance

Scholars have examined how traditional gender roles influence homelessness policy and public perceptions. Historically, men have been viewed as self-reliant and responsible for their own economic stability, while women are more likely to be perceived as needing protection and support (Connell, 2005). These social expectations may contribute to policies that prioritize assistance for women and families while offering fewer tailored resources for single men (Barrow & Laborde, 2008).

Furthermore, shelters and social service programs often cater to specific demographics based on perceived risk. For example, domestic violence shelters primarily serve women, despite research indicating that men can also be victims of intimate partner violence (Douglas & Hines, 2011). Similarly, family shelters frequently provide resources for single mothers, whereas single fathers may face greater difficulties in securing stable housing (Rollings et al., 2019). These gaps suggest a need for a more comprehensive approach to homelessness assistance that considers the diverse experiences of all individuals.

Policy Considerations and Potential Solutions

Addressing disparities in homelessness assistance requires policy changes that ensure equitable access to resources for all individuals experiencing housing insecurity. Expanding shelter capacity for single men, implementing gender-inclusive domestic violence services, and increasing outreach programs that specifically target male homelessness are potential strategies for bridging these gaps (Shinn & Khadduri, 2020). Additionally, scholars advocate for a shift in public discourse to recognize homelessness as a complex issue that affects individuals of all genders, rather than primarily a women’s or family-centered issue (Tucker, 2021).

Efforts to reduce homelessness must also address underlying factors such as mental health, substance use, and employment barriers, which affect both men and women but may present differently across demographics (Herring, 2019). By developing policies that take a more inclusive and need-based approach, social services can work toward providing equitable support for all individuals experiencing homelessness.

While women, children, and families receive significant attention in homelessness policy, single men—who make up the majority of the homeless population—often face challenges in accessing assistance. Research suggests that social perceptions of gender may influence the availability and distribution of resources, leading to gaps in services for homeless men. Addressing these disparities requires a shift toward more inclusive policies that provide equitable support for all individuals experiencing homelessness, regardless of gender. Future studies should continue to examine the intersections of homelessness, policy, and gender norms to ensure that assistance programs effectively meet the needs of diverse populations.

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References

Barrow, S. M., & Laborde, N. D. (2008). Invisible mothers: Parenting by homeless women separated from their children. Gender Issues, 25(3), 157-172. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12147-008-9059-2

Connell, R. W. (2005). Masculinities (2nd ed.). University of California Press.

Culhane, D. P., Metraux, S., & Byrne, T. (2013). A prevention-centered approach to homelessness assistance: A paradigm shift? Housing Policy Debate, 23(1), 232-246. https://doi.org/10.1080/10511482.2013.767085

Douglas, E. M., & Hines, D. A. (2011). The help-seeking experiences of men who sustain intimate partner violence: An overlooked population and implications for practice. Journal of Family Violence, 26(6), 473-485. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-011-9382-4

Gowan, T. (2010). Hobos, hustlers, and backsliders: Homeless in San Francisco. University of Minnesota Press.

Herring, C. (2019). Between street and shelter: Seclusion, exclusion, and the neutralization of poverty. American Sociological Review, 84(1), 120-147. https://doi.org/10.1177/0003122418820711

Rollings, K. A., Bolger, K. E., & Teague, S. T. (2019). Family instability, housing insecurity, and child maltreatment: Examining the role of fathers in the home. Child Maltreatment, 24(2), 203-212. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077559518819853

Shinn, M., & Khadduri, J. (2020). In the Midst of Plenty: Homelessness and What to Do About It. Wiley.

Tucker, J. (2021). Rethinking homeless services: Addressing the gender gap in aid distribution. Social Service Review, 95(2), 267-290. https://doi.org/10.1086/714612

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2023). Annual homelessness assessment report to Congress. https://www.huduser.gov/portal/home.html