Pandemic-prone: how has COVID-19 affected the homeless population?

Abstract

Homelessness refers to the lack of stable, permanent, and appropriate housing, exacerbated by factors such as low income or chronic illness. Homeless shelters serve as vectors of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission, given shared living spaces and lack of access to healthcare resources. Individuals experiencing homelessness are not only at greater risk of COVID-19, but they also have various underlying social and health adversities. This paper explores the unique effects of COVID-19 on individuals experiencing homelessness, the underlying risk factors, and changes that can be implemented to mitigate these challenges.