Preventing and tackling homelessness

Host Country : Denmark

Place and date : Copenhagen , 26. - 27.4.2005

Peer countries : Czech Republic - Estonia - Germany - Latvia - Luxembourg - Poland - The Netherlands

Access of the most vulnerable to key services: decent housing, health and care services, lifelong learning, financial services, legal advice services and transport.

In 2002, the Danish government introduced an action programme to significantly enhance activities targeted at the most socially marginalised people, including homeless people, drug abusers, alcohol misusers, prostitutes and mentally disabled people. This programme, called "Our common responsibility", aims to ensure that the most vulnerable groups in Danish society can lead a meaningful life, while at the same time their needs and desires are reflected and respected.

In Denmark, homelessness is often related to and interconnected with a wide range of problems beyond the mere lack of housing. Alcohol and drug misuse, mental illness, violence, crime, unemployment, poor social networks and rootlessness are some of the problems often connected with homelessness. Some people have lived in the street for more than 20 years. They generally exist under very poor conditions, so that they require constant care and attention. Their behavioural problems mean that they cannot be offered a place in a normal care home for conventional people. This is the reason why Denmark has gone for an alternative option by establishing special nursing homes for them.

The Danish government has also, under the slogan "freak houses for freak existences", established homes which are unconventional, small dwellings often with communal rooms. Here, the residents can behave differently without having to confront hostile reactions from other people. It is also important to note that the users are to a large extent involved in setting these homes up. At present more than 75 alternative care home places exist, as well as 300 new special homes. The occupants of the homes also receive help in maintaining them. Furthermore, the programme offers emergency provision, such as night shelter cafés. The project is implemented by the municipalities, which receive earmarked funding from the government for it.

The Danish Ministry of Social Affairs has in addition supported the setting up of a user organisation for the homeless to advocate their rights and needs.

Agenda - | en |

Peer Review manager

Mr Filip Maas ( European Centre )

Document Actions

Preventing and tackling homelessness

Host Country : Denmark

Place and date : Copenhagen , 26. - 27.4.2005

Peer countries : Czech Republic - Estonia - Germany - Latvia - Luxembourg - Poland - The Netherlands

Peer Review manager

Related documents