A study in Hamilton, Ontario, examined the impact of service restrictions on individuals experiencing homelessness who were denied access to emergency shelters. Researchers interviewed 20 participants who faced these restrictions and reviewed their medical records from 2018 to 2021. On average, participants had 17.4 primary care visits, 11 emergency department visits, and 4 hospital admissions, often for infections, injuries, and substance use issues. The study found that service restrictions worsened health outcomes by increasing exposure to violence and psychological distress. Participants reported feeling dehumanized and stigmatized in healthcare and shelter environments, exacerbated by abstinence-based policies that limited access to shelters. These policies pushed individuals into unsheltered homelessness, disrupting their access to belongings, social networks, and healthcare services. Despite these challenges, participants emphasized the importance of peer support and community care. The findings suggest that exclusionary practices in shelters and healthcare significantly impact the well-being of those affected by service restrictions. The study advocates for an inclusion health approach that utilizes insights from individuals with lived experiences to reduce the negative consequences of such restrictions.
Nowhere to go: a qualitative study examining the health of people who experience emergency shelter service restrictions in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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