Desired support system to eradicate urban homelessness: an exploratory descriptive study

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Urban Studies
• Public Policy

Background:

• Increasing urban homelessness affects diverse groups including women, children, youth, elderly, and marginalized ethnic or migrant populations.
• Many homeless individuals are employed but earn insufficient incomes for basic living standards.
• The study addresses the growing concern of urban homelessness and its multifaceted nature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish an effective support system aimed at eradicating urban homelessness.
• To identify key interventions required to improve the living conditions of the homeless.
• To provide empirical data for policy development concerning homelessness.

Main Methods:

• Exploratory descriptive study utilizing quantitative techniques.
• Application of a social ecological model to analyze influences on homeless individuals at multiple levels (intrapersonal to public policy).
• Surveys conducted with sixty-five homeless individuals in a capital city.

Main Results:

• Support systems must be comprehensive, involving families, communities, organizations, and government.
• Key needs identified include employment opportunities, long-term community-based shelters, and relevant skills training.
• Socio-economic factors significantly impact the homeless population's living conditions.

Conclusions:

• A multi-level, integrated approach is essential for addressing urban homelessness.
• Policy interventions should focus on employment, housing, and skills development.
• Further research is needed to fully understand and combat homelessness.