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Homelessness and Services for Women
The third key area addressed by the Catch project looks at the specific problems facing homeless women, whose needs often go unnoticed largely due to male-dominance in policy considerations and in service provision. This crucial concern, identified by Catch in its first phase, yielded many findings and recommendations at the Vienna conference, the details of which are below.
Hidden homelessness is a particular problem facing women and this often means that homeless women are difficult to reach. For example, domestic violence remains a harsh reality for many women, making their housing arrangement unsafe. Furthermore, many women are hesitant to report these incidents and are often stuck in unbearable situations. One must acknowledge the pressures on women to maintain ‘normal’ relationships and that this pressure often means that many are reluctant to challenge their partners using institutional measures.
Women have less economic opportunities than men and generally suffer worse living conditions. Pressures on women to maintain family and domestic structures often results in economic dependency on partners and, more generally, hinder their financial freedom. They are thus more exposed to poverty, particularly if their relationships come to an end. In this situation, the woman is more likely to be in an insecure housing situation. Moreover, women may feel ashamed if they have to turn to social workers for help and may consequently deny their problems.
A framework for policy makers must consider the following key points:
- A long-term approach must be adopted in combating female homelessness to give time to reach them and build trusting relationships with them.
- Policy should be gender-mainstreamed to avoid male-centric planning, provision and evaluation.
- The evaluation of success should be measured by soft indicators such as increasing self-esteem or empowerment, in addition to harder indicators such as employment or housing arrangements.
- The needs of homeless women must be publicised and further research must be undertaken into the specific requirements of homeless women.
- Mixed-gender institutions should be conceived from the outset, with the concerns of both men and women taken into consideration, such that women are not marginalised in the planning and execution of projects. This will, in the very least, require provision of single rooms on separate floors and security measures.
- Female homeless institutions should be partnered with relevant organisations that work specifically with women to ensure an integrated holistic service.
- More permanent accommodation should be made available close to necessary services such as schools, child care, medical care etc. Housing must be made affordable for women with low incomes (given the additional responsibilities that come with those who have children or are looking after dependants).
Good practice in working with homeless women must take into consideration the following:
- Women must have their own physical space that is safe from male contact and they must have their own facilities. Violent behaviour against women could be an issue in a mixed hostel. In addition, some women may have suffered from domestic violence previously, and it should be a priority to safeguard them from this happening again.
- It is essential that staff working with homeless women are female. Staff must be aware of the social disadvantages experienced by women and must have experience of female-specific approaches to working with the homeless.
- Temporary accommodation should enable women to fulfil basic needs such as eating, sleeping and showering, but also address long-term issues through counselling, medical help and advice on housing issues.
- Women must be empowered, they must be helped to build confidence and enrich their sense of identity. It is crucial that support staff listen to their clients and trust any accounts of violence or discrimination which may be reported.
- Gainful employment and vocational support is for many homeless women an economical and personal necessity.
- Homeless women have specific health needs due to their multifaceted health problems.
- Instead of dividing women into different categories of problems, integrated support should be provided for them.
- Homeless women need the possibilities to create their own informal and female networks. Support facilities for homeless women should help to make that possible.
Selected good practices on the thematic sub-area of services for homeless women
FrauenWohnZentrum, Vienna, Austria
The FrauenWohnZentrum was established in Vienna 2005 to address the lack of women-only homeless facilities in the city. It is run by Caritas, but has funding from the Vienna Social Fund. The FrauenWohnZentrum is a low-threshold gender oriented facility just for women, who are homeless. It is a whole house for homeless women with a daily-centre called “FrauenWohnZimmer” and 32 sleeping and housing places for women.
The sleeping and housing places are divided into three different areas and standards of housing:
- Emergency beds: One room with 3 beds which are allocated to women after 10 pm. For one night only.
- Low-threshold housing: 14 single rooms mainly for addicted women with mental health problems and women who cannot live in other facilities or do not want to live in other facilities. They can stay anonymously up to one month. Neither drug abstinence not compliance are preconditions. They can get help from social service if they want to but they are not forced to make contact.
- Supported housing: 18 small flats for women who cannot live independently, that do not want to or that want the support of a social worker. They may not be anonymous.
The main target group of the house is split into three groups: women with mental health problems, women with drug abuse and women who have pets.
Aims & objectives:
- To provide homeless women with a safe space, away from potential male violence.
- To address the specific needs of women, which are often unmet due to male bias in programme planning.
- To offer homeless women practical help in their everyday life and also for improving their life situation.
- To treat all women with respect and tolerance and to empower them.
Programmes of activity:
- The home offers 32 single rooms, which gives women in crisis an immediate solution to their homeless situation. This is seen to be more appropriate than dormitories, where women would not have sufficient space and privacy.
- The daily-centre welcomes all women and is a place of protection and communication for women as well as for satisfying their basic needs.
- Counselling is provided by a social worker.
- Basic supplies are provided, including food, washing facilities etc.
Good practice:
- Feministic approach and women-only project.
- The project allows women to live anonymously and gives them the choice of receiving counselling. The women-only space helps them to be themselves and to take their lives into their own hands.
- Allowing women the choice to receive counselling means that they will only do so when they are truly ready. Such efforts aim to empower women.
Better Housing for Homeless Women with Substance Abuse, Malmö, Sweden
The Malmö study aims to promote awareness and improve support services for homeless women with substance abuse problems. The study is being undertaken by the City District of Kirseberg, Malmö.
Aims & objectives:
- To address the housing needs of women who experience substance abuse, taking into account their exposure to physical abuse and violence. This is particularly necessary in light of the authorities’ lack of willingness to appropriately address physical abuse against women.
- To further develop an understanding of the long-term housing requirements of the client group. This will then provide a solid foundation for Malmö municipality to create housing policies with sensitivity to the specific issues facing women with substance abuse problems.
- Cooperation and development of local and national networks and working groups.
- To raise the competence of staff and improve working methods of professionals.
Programmes of activity:
Short term housing for abused homeless women with substance abuse will be established in Malmö in the near future. Various networks and working groups with various participants - organisations, NGOs, projects, city districts and health care authorities – have recently started and the awareness about the issue has, therefore, already increased. The voices and experiences of the homeless women themselves are also an important part of the project and women in homeless situation are inteviewed about their lives and their needs.
Good practice:
- The study has a long-term approach, aiming to overcome structural difficulties through better policy making and awareness.
- The holistic approach is sensitive to the specific situation of women who are more likely to be experiencing physical abuse and violence, whilst also experiencing substance abuse and homelessness.
- Integrating a gender perspective on the issue of homelessness.
- Acknowledge men’s violence against homeless women and women with substance abuse as a gross violation against women’s integrity.
Integrated Project of Intervention for Street Prostitutes, Lisbon, Portugal
This project was created by the City Hall or Lisbon in partnership with the Congregation of Nuns Oblatas.
Aims & objectives:
The project aims to give street prostitutes an alternative to the life they lead. Services are brought to them and aim to address their multiple needs that are associated with their occupation. The ultimate objective of the project is the social inclusion of its client group.
Programmes of activity:
- Clients are approached in the environment where they practice prostitution and counselling and social assistance is brought to them. Medical check-ups are also undertaken and advice on housing matters is offered. Bringing facilities to them ensures that services are provided at their convenience and are thus more likely to have a positive effect.
- Basic supplies are provided including food and washing facilities.
- Social workers provide opportunities for the women to engage in open dialogue through private and/or group counselling, and help them face any shame they may feel.
Good practice:
- Outreach is at the core of the project; clients are approached in their natural environment, ensuring that this marginalised group is reached more widely. This is particularly necessary in working with this client group, because street prostitutes rarely approach community services.
- The project adopts an integrated approach, combining basic provision with more complex social needs.
- The service providers took what they learnt from the project and replicated it in alternative locations around the city.
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FINAL REPORT - English