Social Work in Action: Social Connectedness and Homelessness Amidst a Pandemic: Are the Social Impacts of Quarantine on Homeless Populations Being Adequately Addressed?

摘要

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been undoubtedly great; from health and economic outcomes, to the areas of social functioning and daily life that have drastically changed. While the focus on these impacts has been largely related to physical health, researchers have also highlighted the effects on other areas of life such as mental health and emotional wellbeing. While pandemic-related outcomes should continue to be examined, the effects of quarantine measures more specifically must also be examined. With a deeper look at the various aspects of wellbeing, the impact of these changes on social connectivity should begin to be considered. How have these changes in the world altered social network connections to one another? Each person can likely think of an example of how quarantine measures have altered their social networks, but what about those underserved populations that have already been pushed to the fringes of mainstream society? How have quarantine measures affected their connections to social supports? As research begins to explore the greater effects of this pandemic, the people serving at-risk populations (including the author of this article) must also be cognizant of the impact of the loss of connectivity on the communities with which they work. One such underserved demographic that faces a number of risk factors are homeless populations.1,2 While the focus has been on containing the spread of the disease among this and other populations, it must also be asked if the social needs of homeless individuals are adequately being addressed, given the importance of social network connections on their wellbeing. As is the case with so many aspects of this pandemic and quarantine, this article will ask more questions than it will answer. However, its purpose is not to answer scientific questions, but to encourage the public and mental health professionals to consider the importance of social network connectivity among homeless individuals given this very uncertain time.