E-Module Chapter 6: Homelessness
In this chapter, we introduce the concept of homelessness providing some historical background but focusing mainly on recent developments. We give some of the most important definitions of homelessness, discuss the often ideologically laden arguments and debates about the causes and dynamics of homelessness, present the most important programs and policies addressing homelessness and take a brief look into the possible future of homelessness. As part of this e-module, we invite you to engage further with the aspects introduced in the textbook.
Consolidating Knowledge
- Key concepts: In this chapter, we introduced you to multiple topics related to homelessness in Europe. Check your understanding of the content using this task.
- Reflection Task. Homelessness in Your Region: We discussed the complex relation between (forced) migration and housing. Now, let us take a detailed look at the region or city you live in.
- Reflection Task. Synonyms of Homelessness: In this exercise you will reflect on the meaning and connotations of homeless, homelessness and synonyms to these terms.
Listening In
- PusH Podcast - Episode 9 Nienke Boesveldt: In this episode of the PusH Podcast, we discuss the successful Finnish method for addressing homelessness and consider how other European countries can incorporate these strategies.
- External Podcast: Homelessness in the US: The podcast series "According to need" deals in five podcasts with homelessness in the US. Episode 3 focusses specifically on the Housing First Approach.
Getting Active
- Group Work. Different Types of Homelessness: In this activity, you will learn more about different types of homelessness, deepen your knowledge by doing individual research on the living conditions and personal challenges of these types and understand structural conditions by comparing and discussing cases with other students.
- Group Work. Statements about Homelessness: In this group work, you will collect , interpret and discuss different statements about homelessness and their implications. You will also learn about alternative terms, which may be used.
- Research Task. Homelessness and Urban Design: In this research activity you will learn about hostile architecture and explore the public space of your city. Can you imagine a city, designed to support homeless people?
- Research Task. Housing First and Local Strategies to Avoid Homelessness. In this research task, you will deepen your knowledge about homelessness and form an informed opinion. You will argue from different perspectives, watch a documentary, read a case study about Finlands' Housing First approach and look at strategies to end homelessness.
- Research Task. Images of Homelessness: Find out more about how homeless people and homelessness are imagined and depicted.
- Writing Task. The Right to Housing: In this task, which can be done in a group or individually, you will reflect on adequate housing and research your local legislative framework in regards to the right to housing.
Digging Deeper
- Case Study. Housing First in Finnland: Read more about the Finnish approach to end homelessness.
- Further Reading: Improving Health and Wellbeing: This review-article identifies, appraises, and synthesize available evidence on the benefits and cost-effectiveness of interventions to improve the health and social outcomes of people experiencing homelessness.
- Further Reading: Accumulated Homelessness: Analyzing Protracted Displacement along Eritreans’ Life Histories: This article from the Journal of Refugee Studies takes a multidimensional and multiscalar approach to homelessness among refugees in Europe by analyzing the life histories of two Eritrean men living in Italy and The Netherlands.
- Further Reading. 'Fighting homelessness and Housing Exclusion in Europe' (European Social Policy Network): This Report produced by the European Social Policy Network (ESPN) shows that homelessness and housing exclusion need to be addressed by building strategic collaborative frameworks, strengthening evidence-based policies, providing adequate funding and assessing existing measures.
- Homepage. FEANTSA - The European Federation of National Organisations Working with the Homeless: Check this homepage to find out more about the organisation, that created one of the homelessness typologies discussed in chapter 6.
- Homepage. Project PRODEC. Protecting the Rights of Destitute Mobile Citizens: In the PRODEC project, FEANTSA continues its work concerning free movement, with a focus on contributing to European public policies to encourage considering situations of destitution among mobile EU citizens.
- Video. Rough Sleepers in the UK: This video interviews two rough sleepers in the UK and gives information on the recent UK's homelessness crisis.
Last modified: Wednesday, 21 September 2022, 12:06 PM