Investigating multi-dimensional well-being among the homeless: a Cape Town metropolitan perspective

In South Africa, homelessness figures are on the increase. One of the risks associated with being homeless is food insecurity. The objective of this study was to investigate the multi-dimensional well-being of the chronically homeless population in Cape Town, in terms of food insecurity, poverty and employment. A purposive heterogeneous sampling method was used in the study. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions (FGD) were held with homeless individuals living on the streets in Cape Town, South Africa and those making use of transition shelter facilities in the area. Key informant interviews and FGDs were held with service providers and community members who interact with the homeless. Self-reported hunger was used as an indicator of food insecurity in this research project. This study showed that most of the sample of chronically homeless individuals who reside in transition shelter facilities and on the streets had gone to sleep hungry during the previous 12 months. A multi-dimensional approach is recommended as a response to the plight of the homeless population in the area studied and to understanding their complex needs.