Temporal uncertainty, spatial stressors and disrupted connections: temporary accommodation and family life, health and wellbeing

The growing unaffordability of housing in many high-income countries is pushing more people into temporary living situations. While housing is a recognised social determinant of health, less is known about the impact of housing insecurity and ‘hidden homelessness’, where families are not living on the street, but face repeated moves or protracted periods in temporary accommodation. This paper explores, from the perspective of parents and children, the impact of living in temporary accommodation on families’ health and wellbeing.

We undertook 38 interviews with parents and children across three geographical areas in England: South Yorkshire, the North West and London. Families were living (or had lived) in various forms of temporary accommodation including hotels, hostels, and bed and breakfast accommodation. Interviews took place in person, over the phone and online via video call. We utilised framework analysis to analyse our data.

Our analysis generated key themes focusing on: i) the constant, cumulative stress associated with not knowing if, when and where stable accommodation might be secured, ii) the spatial unsuitability of temporary accommodation for family life and iii) the disconnection and disruption to social support, education and employment for families living in temporary accommodation.

This paper is the first to mobilise slow violence within a social determinants framework in understanding the multiple interacting ways in which temporary accommodation impacts on the health and wellbeing of families.