Needs and proposals in social intervention with homeless women

Abstract

The aim of this research is to think about good practices in social intervention with homeless women. To achieve this objective, live stories with women experiencing homelessness have been realized. Moreover, professionals who are currently working with homeless women have also been interviewed. Some of the key findings show that it is essential to apply the gender perspective during the  interventions, as women have different characteristics and life events different from homeless men’s experiences. Although homeless women are smaller in number than men, they tend to have deeper problems and greater emotional trauma. The main conclusions highlight the need to offer more residential resources for women and the importance of prevention and follow-up. Also flexible and individualized interventions are needed, establishing relationships of trust and support between professionals and users, as well as the creation of groups with women in order to strengthening their relational bonds. Furthermore, a consensus is needed on the definition and measurement of female homelessness, as well as a political commitment that promotes the creation of strategies for the care of homeless women.