Global context

Homelessness, the state of having no home or permanent place of residence.

Few social problems are as visible as the plight of homeless people. Once almost
invisible and easily ignored, homeless people are now a common sight in cities, suburbs,
and even some rural areas

The global context of this problem can be illustrated through a quick look through some facts
that will give us an idea of the epic proportions the phenomenon has taken.
Homelessness is a global problem. The United Nations Human Settlements Program estimates that 1.1
billion people live in inadequate housing, and the best data available suggest that more than 100 million
people have no housing at all (Office of the High Commissioner 2001). When we see these problem
across country :

→The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development has estimated
that approximately 18 out of 10,000 Americans, or 582,000 people in total, were
homeless in 2022. From 2020 to 2022 in 27 out of 50 states, the number of homeless
people rose, while in the remaining 23 states and the District of Columbia, it fell.

→ Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, and this presents an epidemic of
homelessness throughout the nation. Approximately 4.5 million people are considered
homeless, with many more not having appropriate access to a proper dwelling that has access
to some of the most basic services.
.

→ Egypt is the most populated country in the North Africa and the Arab world. As
of 2021, 30% of the population are living below the poverty line( world Bank ,
2020). Around a quarter of the population live in slums. 60% of these are in
Egyptian capital, Cairo. More than 21.3 million people live in Cairo, making it one
of the most populated cities in the world, and home to a fifth of Egyptian residents
(CIA World Factbook, 2021).
→ Homelessness in France results from both systemic and social barriers,
including poverty, unemployment, rising rent, domestic violence, legal problems,
drug abuse, mental and physical illness. Currently there are approximately 300,000
homeless people in France in 2021 (Staista, 2022). Around 185,000 people
currently staying in shelters, 100,000 in temporary housing for people seeking
asylum and 16,000 in slums (RFI, 2020).
→Moderate increases in homelessness rates were recorded in Latvia (a 60% increase between 2010 and
2017), the Netherlands (a 27% increase between 2016 and 2018) and Portugal (an 18% increase
between 2018 and 2019).

→According to a study conducted in 11 cities in Ethiopia, the number

of citizens who live on the streets has reached around 88 thousand.
The report also indicates that many of the homeless are found in the capital
city . Out of the 88 thousand homeless population, children, women, youth
and the elderly account for the majority

Table 1.0

Problem Statement
Context: Homelessness represents one of the most striking manifestations of poverty and inequality
worldwide. it is a complex issue that intersects with various socio-economic factors including housing
affordability, domestic violence, mental illness, substance misuse, urbanization, racial and gender
discrimination, infrastructure, and unemployment. The phenomenon of homelessness is not confined to
any single country or region; it is a global crisis that affects millions of people across different societies
and cultures.

Extent : The United Nations’ last global survey in 2005 estimated that approximately 100
million people were homeless worldwide. As of 2021, this number was reported to have
increased to 150 million . Additionally, it is documented that around 1.6 billion people reside in
inadequate housing, with around 15 million being forcibly evicted each year. These figures
highlight the sheer magnitude of the crisis, revealing a dire need for immediate and sustained
intervention.
Challenges: The challenge of addressing homelessness is compounded by the lack of consistent
and reliable data, as methodologies and definitions of homelessness vary significantly across
countries. In high-income countries, homelessness is often measured through ‘point-in-time’
counts, which may not capture the full scope of the issue. Moreover, homelessness is not merely
the absence of physical shelter but also includes the lack of access to basic services and the
ability to participate fully in society.
Human Rights Perspective: From a human rights standpoint, homelessness is a profound
violation of dignity and social inclusion. It impairs the health of those affected, undermines their
right to life, and is often met with criminalization and discrimination 5. The right to adequate
housing is recognized as a fundamental human right, yet the global prevalence of homelessness
indicates a failure of states to fulfill this obligation.

The global homelessness crisis requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses the root causes
of economic and social deprivation. It calls for the collaboration of governments, non-
governmental organizations, and civil society to develop sustainable solutions that respect and
uphold the human rights of all individuals. The urgency of the situation demands action that goes
beyond temporary relief, aiming instead for systemic change that can prevent and ultimately
eliminate homelessness on a global scale.

Cause of Homelessness
Homelessness is a complex issue with various causes, and these causes can differ
across different regions and contexts. However, some common factors contributing
to homelessness globally include:

Economic Factors : Poverty and lack of affordable housing are significant

contributors to homelessness. Economic instability, unemployment, low wages,
and high living costs can push individuals and families into homelessness.
Housing Affordability : Rapid urbanization and gentrification can lead to rising
housing costs, making it difficult for low-income individuals and families to afford
stable housing. Inadequate social housing and insufficient rental assistance
programs exacerbate this issue.

Social Factors : Domestic violence, family breakdowns, and lack of support

networks can result in individuals becoming homeless. Discrimination based on
factors such as race, ethnicity, gender identity, and sexual orientation can also
contribute to homelessness.

Mental Health Issues : Mental illness, including conditions such as schizophrenia,

bipolar disorder, and depression, can increase the risk of homelessness. Limited
access to mental health services and stigma surrounding mental health can prevent
individuals from receiving the support they need.

Substance Abuse: Substance abuse disorders, including alcoholism and drug

addiction, are prevalent among the homeless population. Substance abuse can lead
to job loss, relationship problems, and eviction, contributing to homelessness.

Lack of Social Services: Inadequate access to healthcare, education, childcare, and

social services can leave vulnerable populations without the support they need to
maintain stable housing and address underlying issues contributing to
homelessness.

Natural Disasters and Conflicts: Natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods,

and hurricanes, as well as conflicts and displacement due to war and persecution,
can force individuals and families into homelessness.

Addressing homelessness requires a multifaceted approach that addresses these

underlying causes through strategies such as affordable housing initiatives,
economic empowerment programs, mental health and addiction treatment services,
social support networks, and policies aimed at reducing inequality and
discrimination.
Why is it an issue?
Homelessness is a multifaceted issue influenced by a complex interplay of
economic, cultural, political, and biological factors. Here's a detailed examination
of each:

Economic Factors
Affordable Housing Shortage : A lack of affordable housing is one of the primary
drivers of homelessness. Rising property prices and rents outpace wages, making it
difficult for low-income individuals and families to secure stable housing.
Unemployment and Underemployment : Economic downturns, automation, and
shifts in industries can lead to job losses and reduced income. People living
paycheck to paycheck are at high risk of homelessness when they lose their job or
face reduced hours.
Poverty : Systemic poverty means many individuals and families do not have the
financial safety net to handle unexpected expenses, leading to housing instability.
Cost of Living : In many urban areas, the cost of living has increased dramatically,
further exacerbating the gap between income and housing costs.

Cultural Factors
Social Stigma : Homelessness often carries a significant social stigma, leading to
discrimination and marginalization. This can hinder access to services,
employment, and housing.
Family Breakdown : Cultural shifts in family structures, such as increased divorce
rates and family conflicts, can result in individuals, particularly youth, being forced
to leave their homes.
Substance Abuse : While substance abuse can be both a cause and consequence of
homelessness, cultural attitudes towards addiction can impact the availability and
effectiveness of support services.

Political Factors
Policy and Legislation : Inadequate social safety nets, lack of effective affordable
housing policies, and insufficient mental health services are significant political
contributors to homelessness.
Criminalization of Homelessness : In some regions, laws and ordinances
criminalize activities associated with homelessness, such as sleeping in public
spaces, which can exacerbate the issue by making it harder for individuals to
escape homelessness.
Funding and Resource Allocation : Governmental priorities and budget
allocations can significantly impact the availability of services and supports for
homeless individuals.

Biological Factors
Mental Health Issues : Mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, bipolar
disorder, and severe depression, can contribute to homelessness. These conditions
can impair an individual’s ability to maintain employment and housing.
Physical Health : Chronic illnesses, disabilities, and lack of access to healthcare
can lead to homelessness. Poor health can make it difficult to sustain employment
and afford housing.
Addiction : Biological predispositions to addiction can lead to behaviors that result
in job loss and housing instability. Additionally, the stress of homelessness can
exacerbate substance abuse issues, creating a vicious cycle.

Current state and extent of the problem in Ethiopia

Homelessness in Ethiopia is a significant issue, particularly in urban areas.
Urban Areas
Addis Ababa :
 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital, is the most severely affected by homelessness.
Estimates suggest that tens of thousands of people live on the streets. A survey
conducted in 2019 by the city administration estimated around 50,000 homeless
individuals in the city, with children making up a significant portion.
Given Addis Ababa's population of approximately 5 million, this implies about
1% of the city's residents are homeless.
Other major city
Dire Dawa, Mekelle, Hawassa, Bahir Dar, These cities also have substantial
homeless populations, though specific numbers are harder to come by. Each city's
homeless population is likely in the thousands, indicating a similar percentage
range of 0.5% to 1% of their total populations.
Rural Areas
Homelessness in rural areas often manifests differently, typically involving
inadequate housing rather than outright homelessness seen in urban centers. Rural
homelessness can be linked to poverty, displacement due to conflict, or natural
disasters.
Vulnerable Populations
Children and Youth :Street children make up a significant portion of the
homeless in urban areas. Estimates suggest that tens of thousands of children live
and work on the streets across Ethiopian cities.
Women and Single Mothers: This group is particularly vulnerable due to
domestic violence, economic hardship, and lack of social support.
Elderly and Disabled: Often without family support and facing discrimination,
these individuals are at high risk of homelessness.
Current Situation
Homelessness remains most severe in Addis Ababa and other major cities. The
urban homeless population includes a high proportion of children, women, and
elderly individuals.
Recent non - government initiatives aim to provide more affordable housing and
improve social services, but challenges remain due to resource constraints and the
scale of the problem.
Social innovation solutions
Homelessness is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive and
multifaceted solution. The solution must address the immediate needs of those experiencing
homelessness while also tackling the underlying systemic issues that contribute to homelessness.
Here, I propose a detailed potential solution that combines immediate relief, long-term support,
and systemic changes.

Immediate Relief
Emergency Shelters and Transitional Housing
Expand Emergency Shelters, Increase the number of emergency shelters to
ensure that no one has to sleep on the streets. These shelters should be safe,
clean, and accessible 24/7.Create Transitional Housing , Develop more transitional
housing units to provide stable, short-term accommodations while individuals and
families transition to permanent housing. These units should come with
supportive services to address immediate needs.

Mobile Outreach Teams

Deploy mobile outreach teams composed of social workers, healthcare professionals, and
volunteers to connect with people experiencing homelessness. These teams can provide
immediate assistance, such as food, water, blankets, and medical care, and connect individuals
with shelters and other resources.

Basic Needs Services

food and Clothing Establish food banks and clothing distribution centers near high-
concentration areas of homelessness. Partner with local businesses and non-profits to ensure a
steady supply of essentials. Hygiene Facilities Set up mobile hygiene units equipped with
showers, toilets, and laundry facilities to help maintain personal hygiene and dignity .

Long-Term Support
Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)
Housing First Approach Adopt the
 Housing First model, which prioritizes providing permanent housing to individuals experiencing
homelessness without preconditions. This approach has been proven to reduce homelessness and
improve stability and health outcomes.

Integrated Support Services

Offer comprehensive services alongside housing, including mental health counseling, substance
abuse treatment, employment assistance, and life skills training. These services should be
tailored to individual needs and accessible within the housing facility.

Affordable Housing Development

Increase Affordable Housing Stock
Invest in the construction of affordable housing units through public funding, incentives for
private developers, and partnerships with non-profit organizations. Ensure these units are
distributed across various neighborhoods to avoid concentration and promote integration.

Inclusionary Zoning
Implement policies that require new residential developments to include a percentage of
affordable units. This can help increase the overall availability of affordable housing and ensure
mixed-income communities.

Rent Assistance Programs

Subsidized Housing Vouchers
Expand housing voucher programs to assist low-income individuals and families in affording
market-rate rentals. Vouchers should cover a significant portion of the rent and be paired with
case management services.

Rental Assistance Funds

Create emergency rental assistance funds to help individuals facing temporary financial crises,
preventing eviction and subsequent homelessness.

Systemic Changes
Economic Opportunities and Job Training
Job Training and Placement Programs
Develop job training programs tailored to the needs of homeless individuals, including soft
skills training, vocational training, and apprenticeships. Partner with local businesses to create
job placement opportunities.

Living Wage Legislation

Advocate for policies that ensure a living wage for all workers, reducing the risk of
homelessness among low-income earners. This includes supporting minimum wage increases
and benefits such as paid sick leave.

2 Healthcare Access
Universal Healthcare Access
Ensure that all individuals, regardless of their housing status, have access to comprehensive
healthcare services, including mental health and substance abuse treatment. Mobile clinics and
healthcare facilities in shelters can help bridge gaps in access.

Medicaid Expansion
Advocate for the expansion of Medicaid in all states to cover more low-income individuals,
including those experiencing homelessness.

3. Education and Youth Services

Supportive Educational Programs
Provide targeted support for homeless children and youth to ensure they can continue their
education uninterrupted. This includes tutoring, transportation, and after-school programs.

Youth Housing and Services

Develop specialized housing and support services for homeless youth, addressing their unique
needs and preventing them from becoming chronically homeless adults.

Policy and Advocacy

Comprehensive Homelessness Policy
National Strategy
Develop and implement a national strategy to end homelessness, with clear goals, timelines, and
accountability measures. This strategy should involve collaboration between federal, state, and
local governments, as well as non-profits and the private sector.

Funding and Resources

Secure dedicated funding streams for homelessness programs through federal and state budgets,
private philanthropy, and public-private partnerships.

Criminal Justice Reform

Decriminalize Homelessness
Advocate for the decriminalization of behaviors associated with homelessness, such as sleeping
in public spaces. Instead, focus on providing support and services.

Supportive Reentry Programs

Create reentry programs for individuals exiting incarceration to prevent them from becoming
homeless. These programs should include housing assistance, job training, and mental health
support.

Data and Research

Data Collection and Sharing
Improve data collection on homelessness to better understand its causes and track progress.
Encourage data sharing among agencies and organizations to coordinate efforts effectively .

Research and Evaluation

Invest in research to evaluate the effectiveness of homelessness interventions and identify best
practices. Use this evidence to continuously improve programs and policies.

Community Involvement and Awareness

Public Awareness Campaigns
Educate the Public
Launch public awareness campaigns to educate the community about homelessness, its causes,
and the solutions. Promote empathy and reduce stigma through storytelling and factual
information.

Engage Volunteers
Encourage community members to volunteer their time and skills to support homelessness
initiatives. Create opportunities for meaningful engagement, such as mentoring, tutoring, or
providing professional services.

Strengthen Community Networks

Collaboration Among Stakeholders
Foster collaboration among government agencies, non-profits, faith-based organizations,
businesses, and community groups. Create coalitions to share resources, knowledge, and best
practices.

Neighborhood Support Program

Develop neighborhood-based programs that engage residents in supporting their homeless
neighbors, such as community watch programs and local fundraising efforts.

In conclusion, solving homelessness requires a multi-pronged approach that addresses both

immediate needs and long-term challenges. By expanding emergency and transitional housing,
increasing affordable housing, providing comprehensive support services, and enacting systemic
changes, we can create a society where homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring.
Community involvement and robust policy frameworks are essential to ensuring sustainable
success in this endeavor.