Adverse childhood experiences in a pathway to single adult homelessness in Hamilton, New Zealand

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can contribute to housing instability and risk of homelessness, featuring disproportionately in the life histories of many people experiencing homelessness. However, little is known about the prevalence and lifelong impact of ACEs among people experiencing homelessness in New Zealand, a country experiencing increasing homelessness levels amid a housing affordability crisis. Drawing on data from 100 questionnaire surveys and 11 interviews with participants registered with The People’s Project, a Housing First homeless service in Hamilton, we explore the prevalence and role of ACEs in homeless journeys, identifying a common pathway to homelessness among participants. Some varying factors contributing additionally for Māori (indigenous people) were identified. Our findings showed ACEs were commonly reported by participants, often preceding a series of disruptive events across participants’ lives. Accumulations of adverse events, coupled with structural and other constraints, contributed to housing insecurity across lifespans. Results highlight the importance of trauma-informed homelessness initiatives, such as Housing First, as well as measures aimed at reducing upstream drivers of homelessness such as poverty, structural racism, and the ongoing impacts of colonisation in New Zealand.