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European Journal of Homelessness

Publication date: 2022-01-01
Volume: 16 Pages: 101 - 126
Publisher: European Federation of European Organisations Working with the Homeless (FEANTSA)

Author:

Deleu, Harm
Thys, Rebecca ; Schrooten, Mieke

Abstract:

This paper discusses the role non-profit organisations (NPOs) play in the support of people who are experiencing homelessness or inadequate housing in the Brussels-Capital Region. A recent census of people who are experiencing homelessness or inadequate housing in Brussels shows that they turn to both formal and informal NPOs for shelter or support. However, the role of NPOs – and especially the role of informal NPOs – remains underexplored in research on homelessness. To understand the extent to which NPOs support constituents who face homelessness and inadequate housing, we administered a survey to Brussels-based NPOs deploying activities in different fields and ranging from de facto organisations to large professional organisations. Based on our results, we present a typology of NPOs that reach out to people who are experiencing homelessness or inadequate housing. The vast majority of the surveyed organisations are in contact with people living in various forms of homelessness and inadequate housing, particularly sofa surfing and overcrowding. The profiles of the people concerned vary widely, but migration is a recurring theme. Further analysis reveals intersections between the type of homelessness the NPOs encounter among their constituents on the one hand and the kind of services NPOs offer to support their constituency with housing issues on the other hand.