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Homelessness and COVID-19: Lessons Learned and Solutions |
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Homelessness has long been a pervasive issue in the United States, and the
COVID-19 pandemic has only further exacerbated the vulnerability of this
population. In the state of Indiana, researchers utilized the community-based
participatory research approach to evaluate the preparedness and competence of
homeless service providers during the pandemic. Through interviews with service
providers, the study identified nine key lessons, including raising awareness
about homelessness, expanding outreach measures, and implementing and improving
interagency partnerships. The study found that collaboration among service
providers was crucial in mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on the homeless
population. This study is significant as it highlights the root causes of
homelessness in the pandemic and provides insights from experts in the field to
inform future practices.
In contrast, a telephone survey conducted on a multinational scale across major
European nations aimed to assess the state and prevalence of homelessness. The
study, based on a large sample size of 5631 individuals, found that homelessness
prevalence was 0.71%, 1.92%, and 4.96% for the past year, past five years, and
lifetime, respectively. Unemployed males aged 45-54 with lower secondary
education living in an urban area were found to be the most vulnerable to
lifetime homelessness. Education was also found to differentially impact the
homeless, with higher education reducing the risk of homelessness. Notably,
there were significant differences in the prevalence of homelessness between
nations and genders, with Sweden being the only nation where homelessness
equally affected both genders.
The findings of both studies underscore the importance of addressing
homelessness on both a local and global level. While the Indiana study provides
valuable insights into the impact of the pandemic on homelessness and the need
for collaboration among service providers, the multinational study sheds light
on the demographics and risk factors associated with homelessness. Future
studies in both formats can help inform policies and practices to address
homelessness and its underlying causes. |
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