What vulnerability do homeless individuals face without secure housing?

Individuals experiencing homelessness encounter significant vulnerabilities, chief among them is a higher risk of violence and exposure to the elements. Without secure housing, they lack a safe space, making them more susceptible to both physical violence from others and the harsh conditions of the environment, such as extreme temperatures, rain, or other weather-related dangers.

Living without stable shelter often places individuals in precarious situations, such as sleeping in public spaces where they may become targets for theft, assault, or harassment. Additionally, exposure to the elements can lead to various health complications, from hypothermia to heat exhaustion, further exacerbating their already precarious situations.

This understanding highlights the critical need for safe and stable housing as a foundational element for ensuring the safety and well-being of homeless individuals, underscoring the severe implications that lack of secure housing can have on their lives.