TOWARDS AN OFFICIAL DEFINITION OF THE HOMELESS RATE

TOWARDS AN OFFICIAL DEFINITION OF THE HOMELESS RATE How can we compute the homeless rate if we don't even have an official definition of what it means to be homeless? This fundamental question needs to be answered before we can accurately measure and address the issue of homelessness in the Philippines. Contrary to popular belief, homelessness is not solely about home ownership. If we define homelessness based on whether a person owns a home, the homeless rate would be disproportionately high. Many people live in rental homes, boarding houses, or shared accommodations. Excluding them from the count simply because they do not own their living space would lead to flawed data. Take, for instance, the village where I live. Our homeowners' association welcomes not just owners but also renters and other types of residents. This inclusive definition recognizes that having a stable place to live is more important than ownership status. Similarly, the official definition of homelessness should consider whether people have a safe and stable place to sleep at night. A Broader Perspective on Homelessness In many developed countries, being “homeless” is defined as having “no place to sleep at night”. This is why homeless shelters are essential. However, in a developing country like the Philippines, we need to consider not only the presence of a shelter but also its quality. A reasonable standard for determining homelessness could be derived from the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), which measures three dimensions of deprivation: health, education, and standard of living. Under the standard of living dimension, the MPI evaluates access to: Cooking fuel Sanitation facilities Safe drinking water Durable housing materials (walls, roof, and floor) Basic assets like a refrigerator, radio, or bicycle If a person’s shelter lacks these essentials, it should raise concerns. A poorly constructed shanty without sanitation, clean water, or solid flooring cannot be classified as a suitable living space. Therefore, people living in such conditions may not only be considered multidimensionally poor but also effectively homeless. Linking Poverty and Homelessness It is evident that poverty and homelessness are deeply interconnected. Those who are poor are more likely to experience inadequate living conditions, and those without proper housing often lack access to sanitation and water. Recognizing this overlap can help policymakers develop targeted solutions. While building permanent homes for every homeless person may not be immediately feasible, interim measures can make a difference. Expanding the construction of government-funded dormitories, boarding houses, and rental housing can provide affordable options for people transitioning out of homelessness. Establishing more shelters and temporary housing facilities, managed by local governments or charities, can also offer relief to those in need. Policy and Community Action Is the government doing enough to address homelessness in the long term, or are we merely relying on short-term palliative measures? Are there sufficient tax incentives for companies that contribute to housing projects for the homeless? These are questions worth asking. Furthermore, it is essential for local government units (LGUs) to maintain a comprehensive database of homeless individuals. A well-maintained registry can improve resource allocation and facilitate the delivery of support services. Looking Forward It is time for policymakers to take a broader view of homelessness. Beyond the lack of shelter, we should consider the quality of living conditions. By adopting a multidimensional approach, we can create a more accurate and inclusive definition of homelessness. Solving the homelessness crisis will require collaboration among various sectors — from government agencies to private companies and non-governmental organizations. Through coordinated efforts, we can ensure that every Filipino has not just a roof over their head, but a safe and dignified place to call home. Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com 05-23-2025