3.5 Finance, Transportation and Communication Barriers

Affordability of Essential Services

Certain community resources offer services for free, but others might impose fees that are too high for people with unstable earnings. For instance, the cost of health care, legal aid, or particular programs could discourage engagement. Even small expenses can be excessive for those who are having difficulties meeting their basic needs. The City of London (2020) claims that one of the greatest challenges for homeless people is the cost of necessary services (Thehealthline.ca Information Network, 2020).

Cost of Identification and Documentation

Valid identity or evidence, which can be costly to get or replace, is mandatory in order to access many community assets. Individuals might have trouble accessing social services, housing programs, or healthcare if they are not correctly identified. For people who already have trouble financially, the expense of getting these documents increases even another level of hardships (Wilson Amato, 2018).

Impact of Health and Well-Being

Financial problems also prevent people from getting early medical care, which leads to the demand for emergency services and results in neglected medical issues. Homelessness has a strong connection with unhealthy outcomes, according to a 2009 study by Hwang et al. Individuals who are poor and homeless have barriers to healthcare, which results in neglected illnesses and higher demands on emergency services. Based on the study, those who are homeless are more inclined to develop mental health problems and persistent illnesses, which go untreated due to a lack of safe housing and financial constraints (Hwang et al., 2009).

Community Initiatives and Support

To address these problems, different organizations in London offer support services such as:

• Coordinated Access: With the purpose of giving the right support at the right time, this approach connects people who are homeless or at risk of becoming so with relevant financial and social service supports (London Homelessness Prevention System, 2020).
• Community Resource Guide: Services for people and families in financial trouble are listed in the “Help Yourself Through Hard Times” brochure. These services include information on how to obtain support programs and essential necessities (Thehealthline.cainformation Network, 2).

Means of Transportation

For those living in homelessness, access to dependable transportation is a major difficulty that affects their capacity to get necessary services, keep jobs, and seek healthcare services. A few obstacles include:

• Financial Limitation: For people with little or no income, the cost of public transportation can be unaffordable, limiting their mobility and access to essential resources. Many homeless people, according to studies, are unable to pay for transit, which makes it difficult for them to get the resources they need.
• Health and Mobility Complications: Homeless persons may find it challenging to use standard modes of transportation due to physical impairments or long-term health problems, causing them to miss appointments and prolong the time they receive treatment. People also seem to refrain from obtaining medical care because they fear discrimination or mockery from healthcare professionals. A lot of medical facilities could be situated far from homeless shelters or other places where homeless individuals live. They may be discouraged from getting care by this distance.
• Safety and Discrimination: Homeless people may not use these services if they have encountered harassment or discrimination on public transportation, further cutting them off from support networks. According to reports, the accessibility of safe and affordable public transportation is impacted by unsheltered homelessness and related difficulties, which calls for collaborations between transit agencies and neighbourhood organizations to address these problems.

Means of Communication

The homeless population need to be able to communicate effectively, yet they frequently face major obstacles that prevent them from connecting with opportunities, support systems, and necessary services. Key difficulties consist of:

• Lack of Communication Appliances: Homeless individuals lack access to phones or computers, or other devices and/or gadgets available for communication and therefore have trouble accessing service providers, scheduling appointments, or getting information on services.
• Inconsistent Contact Information: It is difficult if there is a lack of an exact location or reliable phone number, for service providers to follow up, which results in gaps in support and care. Missed appointments, delayed services, and extended periods without essential help can all be consequences of this instability. Navigating the sociomaterial environment requires effective communication, and one major obstacle is the absence of reliable contact information.
• Digital Literacy Gaps: Homeless people who lack technological knowledge may be unable to access online resources, further isolating them from potential help. Digital literacy is essential in today’s society, and individuals without it may struggle to use current internet services. Addressing communication requirements is critical to lowering disparities in healthcare among the homeless.