(Un)Accustomed Homelessness: Adaptation and Non-Adaptation to Homelessness from the Perspective of Homeless Person

As a social, cultural, and legal construct, homelessness is a diverse state with inclusive and exclusive elements. It may be accepted or rejected by the person affected. The way the homeless see the world is conditioned by the multitude of ways in which they experience homelessness. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the relationship between the sense of being excluded and the spatial and social mobility of homeless persons. The author points out that whether the homeless see themselves and their life situation as being acceptable or unacceptable has an effect on their mental mapping of space. On the basis of her own research, the author shows the variety of ‘worlds’ through which homeless people move. She then demonstrates the complexity of the experience of homelessness and of growing accustomed to that state—all of which provides a better understanding of the idea of residence