This Week in Homelessness: March 5 - March 11

Spain's Comprehensive Plan to Care for People Experiencing Homelessness

The Minister of Social Policy, José Manuel Rey Varela, announced that the government is expected to launch a new comprehensive plan to care for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Spain. During this announcement this past Tuesday, during his appearance in the plenary session of the Galician Parliament, he outlined the plans of action that his department will carry out during the next four years. With this plan, the government will analyze the occurrence of homelessness and "work among all" to prevent the issue. He also discussed the development of the Social Inclusion Law, reinforcement of community social services, extension of programs to families at risk of eviction, and enhancing the role of social inclusion teams. Varela says, "2017 will be the year in which more social resources are allocated to social policies in the history of Galicia".

Read the full article here. (This article's original text is in Spanish)

The European Federation of National Organisations (FEANTSA) calls attention to women's homelessness on International Women's Day

Women's homelessness has been on the rise in multiple European countries, specifically in France, which has seen a 22 percent rise in women requesting emergency accommodation, and Ireland, which has seen a 28 percent rise in women accessing homelessness services over the last year. On International Women's Day - Wednesday, March 8th - the European Federation of National Organisations (FEANTSA) called attention to homelessness among women in European countries.

As homelessness is already a complex issue to address, research suggests that the nature of women's experience of homelessness can be even more complex. Women experiencing homelessness have a number of severe, interrelated, complex problems, which make recovery challenging. This intersection between homelessness and other support needs highlights the importance of coordinated responses to homelessness that are sensitized to gender differences associated with the experience of homelessness itself.

Read the full press release here.

Seattle's Property-Tax Levy for Homelessness

Mayor Ed Murray of Seattle, Washington proposed that efforts towards preventing and ending homelessness in the city will be funded through a Seattle property-tax levy. The levy is expected to raise $275 million, double the amount the city currently spends on homelessness efforts. It will pay for short and long-term rent subsidies, expansion of local shelters and several other services that will address homelessness. The plan emphasizes helping people secure permanent housing. It will also feature mental health and substance abuse services and the creation of a review board that will keep track of effectiveness of homelessness programs.

Read the full press release here.

Poland Welcomes the Nationwide Reduction in Homelessness

In Poland, a nationwide count of people experiencing homelessness is conducted every two years during the winter season. The most recent count was conducted by the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy early last month.

Results of the count, released this past Thursday, revealed that the number of people experiencing homelessness has decreased by 2,753 people. Men account for about 83.5 percent of the population, while women only account for about 16 percent of the population. Also, homelessness is occurring most in the Mazovia province of the country. Of the population, 19.5 percent were reported to be experiencing street homelessness.

Read the full article here. (This article's original text is in Polish)

Delhi, India Inaugurates Three New Shelters for People Experiencing Homelessness

Delhi Urban Development Minister, Satyendar Jain, led an inauguration ceremony for three new night shelters to accommodate individuals and families experiencing homelessness in India's capital city, Delhi. The new night shelters for people experiencing homelessness were built by the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB). They are located at Ghazipur and Yamuna Pushta areas in east Delhi and Rohini Sector 22 in the north. The Ghazipur shelter is said to have the capacity to accommodate 160 people, the Rohini will accommodate 200 people, and the Yamuna Pushta 100. The government also announced two more shelters to be built in Geeta Colony, east Delhi, and Dwarka, west Delhi.

Read the full article here.

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