Extent and Profile of Homelessness in European Member States : A statistical update

Abstract

Good quality statistical data are fundamental if effective strategies to reduce and prevent homelessness are to be developed. Small scale qualitative and cross-sectional survey research suggests that homelessness exists in multiple forms, but large scale, robust and longitudinal data are needed to fully explore these patterns. This report critically assesses the statistical data on homelessness in 15 member states. The report argues that there are encouraging signs, with improvements in data in Southern and Eastern Europe in recent years, but that there are important concerns about the comprehensiveness, robustness and comparability of statistical data on homeless people. This comparative report is the fourth in a series produced by the European Observatory on Homelessness (EOH) which explores pan-European issues through a questionnaire-based approach employing a group of national experts.