Approaching the phenomenon of homelessness
Homelessness is a phenomenon of which only the tip of the iceberg is known, and around which myths and prejudices have been socially constructed regarding those affected. Homelessness is not a new phenomenon, but contrary to expectations, in societies that are constantly evolving and progressing, the number of people experiencing homelessness continues to rise . The main cause is the lack of public housing policies, which has turned housing into a commodity for speculation, increasingly marginalizing individuals and families. We know that eradicating this phenomenon is an achievable goal ; in fact, some countries have made progress that seemed unimaginable with a firm commitment to social and housing policies that put people, not the market, at the center.
In this monograph, we aim to clarify terms and concepts , illustrate the causes and consequences of homelessness, and offer various solutions based on access to housing and social support. The diverse materials presented offer different perspectives on addressing homelessness, including articles on Housing First , current public strategies, legislation, and policies to combat homelessness, the role of social organizations in this fight, and the daily work of social and mental health teams supporting homeless individuals, among other topics.
It also incorporates a reflection on the situation of homelessness from the perspective of ethics and philosophy, and finally, the monograph presents testimonies from people who have lived through this situation, sharing their experience and their daily struggle to overcome personal and social challenges.
