Part A - Feantsa - Horus

Part A _ Articles
The Governance of Homelessness
in Liberal and Social Democratic
Welfare Regimes : National Strategies
and Models of Intervention
Lars Benjaminsen, Evelyn Dyb and Eoin O’Sullivan
The Danish National Centre for Social Research, Copenhagen, Denmark ;
Norwegian Institute for Urban and Regional Research, Oslo, Norway ;
School of Social Work and Social Policy, Trinity College, Dublin, Republic of Ireland
> > Abstract_
This paper describes and compares experiences from two distinct
welfare regimes – liberal and social democratic – in devising and implementing
strategic plans to reduce homelessness. National strategies to reduce homelessness
have been adopted in a number of European countries in recent
years and this paper discusses the degree to which convergence or divergence
in approaches can be observed. In particular, it makes visible the
underlying intervention models that are reflected in the strategies. In doing so
we wish to understand how the general context of national housing and other
social policies influences homeless policies and how structural conditions and
the goals and means set out in national homeless policies interact. A clear
emphasis on outcomes such as reducing the use of temporary accommodation,
reducing stays in shelters, providing long-term or permanent accommodation
and offering individualised services and support are present in all
strategies under review. However, divergences are also evident and the paper
explores why this is the case.
> > Key Words_
Welfare regimes ; governance ; homeless strategies ; intervention
models
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ISSN 2030-2762 / ISSN 2030-3106 online