| dc.description.abstract | Prevention of homelessness has been placed high on the policy agenda of current policymakers. The avoidance of new cases of homelessness, early identification of risk groups and minimizing the harm for those who already have been homeless are examples of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention. A comprehensive strategy targeting prevention at all levels are required to reduce homelessness. To examine the experiences of recurrent homelessness with support on these levels, 24 in-depth interviews were conducted with recurrent homeless persons by the use a prevention framework.
The results show that on the primary level, faster processing requests for welfare benefits, combined with the agreement of re-payment arrangements could prevent the occurrence of evictions. However, these factors alone do not prevent homelessness, on the secondary level risk groups have been identified: leaving care-institutions or prison, having a background in the military, being at risk of eviction, relationship breakdowns, an returning from abroad. From this can be taken that targeted policies and methods need to take place at those risk groups to prevent the occurrence of homelessness. Adequate discharge planning, outreach care, specified services for those with a military background and measures aimed at preventing evictions show opportunities for early intervention. Applying the principle of ‘harm reduction’ has been shown important for those who already have been homeless, in this continuity of services has been recognized, in particular, emotional support and continued facilitating debt management.
In sum, the experiences of the recurrent homeless persons show an interplay of primary, secondary and tertiary levels that influence homelessness episodes. It is necessary to understand that prevention must take place in different areas and on different levels of support. These elements, independent of one another, do not explain relapse into homelessness but must be understood as a comprehensive strategy. | |
