e-module Chapter 6: Homelessness

Group Activity. Different Types of Homelessness

Homelessness is often imagined, in a very narrow way, as people living in the streets. In reality though it is a much broader phenomenon. Therefore, the European Federation of National Organizations Working with the Homeless  (FEANTSA) has created the European Typology of Homelessness and Housing Exclusion (ETHOS). It consists of four conceptual categories of homelessness, subdivided into a total of 13 operational categories. It iincludes roofless, houseless, insecure and inadequate forms of housing. They vary in terms of duration, access to  shelter and material conditions. A broad range of different groups is affected by these different types of homelessness. Additionally, regional differences in terms of economic and cultural contexts and support services exist and shape the reality on the ground.

Complete the following tasks to learn more about different types of homelessness and how they specifically manifest in your region.

1) Visit the following homepage to check the detailed ETHOS-Typology: https://www.feantsa.org/download/ethos2484215748748239888.pdf

2) Pick one of the 13 different forms of homelessness. If you work in a group of four people or more, make sure to choose at least one type from each conceptual category.

3) Take five minutes to reflect on the category you selected:

• Have you ever encountered this form of homelessness in public spaces or in your private environment?
• How can this form of homelessness occur?
• How do you imagine the existing challenges of everyday life in such a situation?

 4) Now, take 20 minutes to do some web-based research:

• Can you find newspaper articles or maybe even a blog that addresses this form of homelessness? Who is affected by this form of homelessness?
• Is there an NGO or government agency in your area dedicated to the phenomenon?
• What can you learn about the day-to-day challenges and support options for this form of homelessness? Do they differ from your first expectations?
• What are the structural conditions of the type of homelessness you researched?

5) Summarize your findings in bullet points for yourself. Then present your results in the group in the form of fictitious case studies. Afterwards, consider the similarities and differences between the cases. Also take a critical look at existing knowledge gaps and possible stereotypes that emerged in your case studies.