facing the challenge of confronting homelessness in a national economic crisis. a pilot prevention...

European Research Conference, Budapest, 17th September 2010UNDERSTANDING HOMELESSNESS AND HOUSING EXCLUSION IN THE NEW

EUROPEAN CONTEXT

ENHR

Facing the challenge of confronting homelessness in a national economic crisis A pilot prevention policy

model Theodorikakou O., Alamanou A., Katsadoros K.

KLIMAKA NGO, Greece

KLIMAKAFor the development

of human and social capital


EUROPEAN CONTEXTENHR

Homelessness in Homelessness in GreeceGreece




Rough estimates on the number of homeless range around

17.000 – 20.000 persons. But: there are no quantitative and qualitative data of the homeless population there is no opportunity to quantify economic resources addressed to the homeless population




In addition, the paucity of official statistical data results to the obstruction of the implementation of serious actions and

initiatives in order to eliminate the problem. This fact also precludes the appreciation of the problem’s real dimensions

and prolongs the ignorance regarding its increased rate, while it inhibits any attempt of planning comprehensive

actions.



The current financial The current financial situation in Greecesituation in Greece

832.975 households

2.186.869 persons



Unemployme

ntPercentages January 2005-April 2010

The current financial The current financial situation in Greecesituation in Greece



Population at poverty risk consists of: Households with children under the age of

16 and at least one working member (52%) Unemployed men (39%) Households with one adult above 65 years

old (31%) Single parent households with at least one

child (27%) Single women households (27%) Young adults (16-24 years old)(24%)

The current financial (& The current financial (& social) situation in Greecesocial) situation in Greece



Population at poverty consists of: Households’ members with low

educational level (67%) Unemployed (64%) Households with children (52%) Employed persons (36%) Households with children and at least

one working member (34%)

The current financial (& The current financial (& social) situation in Greecesocial) situation in Greece



The financial (& social) The financial (& social) situation in Greecesituation in Greece



The Greek social The Greek social policypolicy

In the National Strategic Reference Framework 2007-2013 of the Ministry of Finance, the Greek State has acknowledged that “The system (that is, the social solidarity system) is characterized by institutional shortcomings and insufficiencies at the operational level. The main insufficiency is the effectual integration of vulnerable population groups through active policies as well as the limited functionality of prevention and open care programs according to the adverse demographic developments”.

But:The Greek Constitution provides clauses for the protection of the right to

housing. More specifically, article 21 par. 4 stipulates: “The acquisition of dwelling for those that deprive it or whose house is inadequate constitutes a matter of specific care by the State”. Lack of housing results also to the exclusion of other fundamental rights, such as employment (article 22 par.1) and education (article 16 par.2), e.t.c.



Social policy in a Social policy in a national economic crisisnational economic crisis

or or the Social Policy the Social Policy

Reactions to the CrisisReactions to the Crisis

OR



If a homeless was given If a homeless was given just a subsidy of 300€ just a subsidy of 300€

would s/he exit would s/he exit homelessness?homelessness?

Is a homeless able to adopt to a daily job?Is a homeless able to adopt to a daily job?

Does a homeless need Does a homeless need only a house? only a house?



Towards an integrated Towards an integrated holistic prevention holistic prevention

modelmodelThe challenge consists of the quest of

policy models sufficient to address the impacts of the crisis to the citizens’ housing.

At the same time these policy models have to be harmonized with the lack of economic resources.




modelmodel Although the study of the cost – benefit relation is not yet feasible, all indications suggest that the maintenance of the phenomenon, costs to the state more than homeless’ restitution and prevention of homelessness together.

Effective preventative schemes offer the potentialto deliver not just a better quality of life for people at risk of homelessness, but also real cost benefits for general tax payers.




modelmodelFurthermore, and given the economic downturn and the

slowing of national resources spent on welfare and social policy, we should take account of certain restrictions in order to avoid exhaustion of system resources, but to channel it in harmony to create quality both services in line with European strategies and priorities for tackling homelessness and in coherence with national guidelines. The actions and procedures will also be complementary rather than overlapping and conflicting with recognized and unambiguous objectives and responsibilities.




modelmodel The “priority need” testThe “priority need” test Analysis of homelessness data in local Analysis of homelessness data in local

levellevel Development of specialist skills in Development of specialist skills in

organizational and authoritative levelorganizational and authoritative level Adaptation of a best value approachAdaptation of a best value approach Establishment of clear service standards, Establishment of clear service standards,

performance indicators and targetsperformance indicators and targets




modelmodel Design and implementation of a monitoring Design and implementation of a monitoring systemsystem

Target at the additional indirect costs of Target at the additional indirect costs of homelessness (criminality, harvest economy homelessness (criminality, harvest economy etc)etc)

Fair HousingFair Housing Legal housing mediation as a fundamental rightLegal housing mediation as a fundamental right Specific homeless populations addressed via Specific homeless populations addressed via

specified prevention strategies specified prevention strategies




modelmodel Primary prevention strategies:

Prevent new cases of homelessness and stop people from ever becoming homeless

Secondary prevention strategies:Focus on intervening early during a first spell of homelessness to help

the person leave homelessness and not return Tertiary prevention strategies:

Seek to end long-term homelessness, thus preventing continued homelessness

Martha R. Burt, Urban Institute, Carol Pearson, Walter R. McDonald & Assoc.,




modelmodelA primary intervention modelA primary intervention model

The model of the Mobile Mental Health Unit in The model of the Mobile Mental Health Unit in CycladesCyclades




modelmodelA tertiary intervention modelA tertiary intervention model

The model of the Klimax Plus Social CorporationThe model of the Klimax Plus Social Corporation



Designing policies to eradicate the phenomenon of homelessness, and not its temporary relief is nowadays more crucial than ever.

Prevention policies are not only more effective but also less expensive. In this context, we hope to

integrate in our thinking the long-term design and implementation of prevention policies instead of choosing political solutions for temporary relief

and exemption from other obligations.



Thank you for your attentionThank you for your attention

facing the challenge of confronting homelessness in a national economic crisis. a pilot prevention...

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