The Devastating Impact of Covid-19 on Homelessness Rates Across the Globe

The unprecedented outbreak of the novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) has had a widespread impact on individuals across the globe. One of the most devastating effects is the tremendous rise in homelessness rates. Due to social distancing measures, government interventions, and economic hardship created by lockdowns, millions of people have been pushed further into poverty and onto the streets.

Prior to the pandemic, official estimates from 2017 recorded over 150 million homeless people worldwide, which was already considered an underestimate due to difficulties in gathering data. Since then, endemic homelessness has only been exacerbated by Covid-19. A recent report by UN-Habitat found that world hunger had sharply risen for the first time in over a decade, with homeless persons particularly vulnerable to food insecurity due to their lack of access to services and resources. Even when shelters are open, overcrowding can contribute to poor hygiene or limited physical distancing, making them dangerous spaces during this health crisis.

In addition, many countries had declared state of emergency orders, which presented specific challenges for those living on city streets or in squatters' communities. Law enforcement agencies now have increased power under these orders, including arbitrary eviction procedures and confiscating personal belongings such as blankets, tents, or sleeping bags. This extra legal protection serves as a tool for local authorities and police forces to criminalize street sleepers and drive them away from public places such as parks or roadsides where they enjoy less visibility and protection from state welfare programs than if they had formal housing arrangements.

It is too early yet to estimate with any accuracy how much homelessness has increased during this pandemic, but its effects will be felt long after this is over. As increasing numbers of people struggle with poverty and rising rents during these uncertain times, governments must invest more resources in tackling the ever-growing homelessness problem before it spins out of control. Reducing administrative barriers to accessing services related to housing security should be prioritized so homeless individuals can feel safe again on our streets amidst this global health emergency.

"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:4

God Bless you.

Team at Homelesslongisland.