Shifting away from the traditional focus of enumeration and prevention of, or early exit from, homelessness, the present study was directed towards understanding the homeless experience and how the health and life quality of homeless people could be improved during their homelessness. To answer key questions, a mixed method inquiry explored the lived experience of homelessness in Darwin between June, 2004, and June, 2005. The study was undertaken through St. Vincent de Paul’s Ozanam House meal and shelter service. Their clients’ life worlds and experiences were documented through participant observation, informal interviews and individual narratives. This study has found that there were very few treatment options available to homeless people who suffered from trauma related illnesses. Self management of wellbeing and health reinforced the negative perception of homeless people held by mainstream society, in turn reinforcing the stigmatising processes individuals spent much of their daily life managing. By addressing the key dimensions of the homeless experience which have had the greatest influence on health, the relevant agencies can begin to create living environments which reflect the experiences and the hopes of the homeless people and which are supportive of good health and a better quality of life. / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)