Multiple Exclusion Homelessness in the UK: ex-Service Personnel

Abstract: This Briefing Paper examines the characteristics and experiences of ex-service personnel affected by ‘multiple exclusion homelessness’ (MEH) – a form of ‘deep’ exclusion involving not just homelessness but also substance misuse, institutional care (e.g. prison) and/or involvement in ‘street culture’ activities (e.g. begging). It draws upon a quantitative survey conducted among the users of ‘low threshold’ services in seven UK cities. It found that the over-representation of ex-service personnel in the MEH population – whose
experiences represent the extreme margins of homelessness and other forms of
severe and multiple disadvantage – poses a continuing challenge for mainstream
and specialist agencies seeking to meet the needs of this highly vulnerable group.