Analyzing the Effects of Extreme Weather on Homelessness, Examining Policy in Europe, and More
- Tiffany Connolly
- Sep 15, 2017
- 3 min read
Building Resilience Against Severe Weather of Those Experiencing Homelessness
Natural disasters, such as those that are currently affecting southern areas of the U.S. and the Caribbean, can be a great emotional, physical, and financial detriment to residents with stable housing. However, what do we know about how people without adequate housing are affected? Karen McIntyre of The Conversation discusses the findings of Building The Severe Weather and Disaster Resilience of the Homeless Community - a study published by the Australian Red Cross. The analysis aims to identify the impacts of severe weather on those experiencing homelessness and services and best practices for alleviating those effects through policy, agency and individual-level approaches. According to its findings, 45% of people experiencing homelessness lack access to information on protocol during emergency weather, while 50% fail to receive warnings about severe weather. Recommendations include specific methods to increase availability and accessibility to information regarding preparation for severe weather, increase shelter and supply of protective items, improve plans tailored to the homelessness population, and more.
Read the article here.
The State of Homelessness in Berlin, Germany
"It is about basic fundamental rights, love of humanity and solidarity," said Ulrike Kostka - chairman of the Catholic Arbeitsgemeinschaft Wohnungslosenhilfe and director of the Caritasverbandes Berlin. Stefan Strauss of the Berliner Zeitung explores the state of homelessness in Berlin, Germany. According to estimates of the Federal Labor Union, the city predicts that approximately 500,000 people will be experiencing homelessness this coming year -- a 49% increase from the year 2014. Of that population, about 6,000 people are living without accommodation - experiencing street homelessness. The city estimates that about 1 million housing units are needed to solve the issue. Local politician Elke Breitenbach, added that Berlin could expect to see an increase in the city's two-year budget for services to people experiencing homelessness and the development of a comprehensive prevention plan.
Read the article here. (This article's original text is in German)
Helping Alleviate Homelessness in Cambodia's Capital
Pech Sotheary of the Khmer Times writes about homelessness in Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital city, and how the city is working to help solve the issue. From January through June of this year, there were at least about 900 people experiencing homelessness. City authorities have recently been working to learn more about the factors that lead to people experiencing street homelessness. They have placed their efforts on preventing panhandling and, instead, providing individuals and families with better options to earning a living. The Social Affairs Ministry has assisted with reintegrating people into the community, while partner organizations work to provide them with skills training to sustain healthy living conditions.
Read the article here.
The State of Housing in the European Union 2017
The Housing Europe Observatory will present its flagship report for 2017 over a two-part, day-long event on October 17, 2017 in the European Parliament and at the Committee of the Regions of Brussels, Belgium. With intent to address Europe's housing challenges, the convening is expected to bring the housing debate to EU Institutions, with focus on investment as a response. The State of Housing in the EU report includes detailed housing statistics per European Union (EU) member state, the latest housing trends in a cross-country observation, a compilation of the most significant policy updates since the 2015 report, and more. Registration for the convening opens on Monday, September 18, 2017.
Read the article here.
If there is news you would like to include in a future update, contact us here: http://www.ighomelessness.org/contact
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