Page 70 - IJPS-9-1

International Journal of
Population Studies Düsseldorfer Model for counting homeless people

locks and secure places for belongings was also mentioned. buying clothes, making unplanned purchases, and engaging
Factors reported to reinforce a sense of security were having in leisure activities are hardly possible due to their limited
a residence of one’s own, the prospect of a job, and, at least financial means. Therefore, the many different offerings
for some interviewees, knowledge of self-defense skills. To of social work institutions in Düsseldorf, including of
avoid attention and involvement in dangerous situations, breakfast and clothing, are regularly sought.
the interviewees also mentioned trying to “always be neat
and tidy” and evading contact with other people whose 3.2.9. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
center of life is the street and to thereby “not get involved The interviewees predominantly evaluated their
in their problems.” experiences and restrictions during the COVID-19
pandemic negatively. The limited opening hours of public
3.2.5. Health institutions due to the risk of infection have meant that
Although nearly all interviewees have health insurance, spaces to escape the elements or engage in activities have
the use of medical services is a major hurdle for two-thirds been rare – for example, libraries are closed, and public
of the interviewees due to embarrassment as well as the transportation has to be avoided to prevent infection.
challenge of fixed appointments or bad experiences with Beyond that, services offered by institutions for people
doctors in the past. There are hardly any fixed contacts who are homeless have changed or been reduced, and
with general practitioners or dentists, which also means, legally imposed curfews have been difficult for people
among other things, that “doctors are not visited as often without housing to obey. The interviewees also reported
as they should be.” On the other hand, the medical care perceiving an increased potential for violence and changes
center and outreach services are mentioned positively and in interpersonal relationships while living on the streets.
are used. All interviewees rated their own health as poor.
The health complaints can primarily be classified into three 3.2.10. Future
categories: Dental health, addiction-related complaints, When asked about their life situations in a year’s time,
and consequences of exposure to cold. nearly half of the interviewees mentioned the desire
and basic goal of having their own home. That wish was
3.2.6. The relevance of housing accompanied by the imagination of having “a totally
The interviewees stated that they stay with friends, in normal life again.” A family or stable relationship was also
shelters. or on the streets. The shelter facilities are evaluated desired, along with employment, which together were
heterogeneously: Although the “roof over one’s head” and thought make such a life is possible. However, regarding
not being in the cold are described as positive, the lack of the salary and cost of living in the city, one interviewee
privacy is criticized. The need for a home of one’s own, also stated, “Düsseldorf is too expensive for normal people.
“a door that you can close behind you” is expressed from Housing is luxury in this city.”
everyone and often related to the idea of “having a normal
life.” According to the interviewees, the challenge of finding 4. Concluding remarks
an apartment can be attributed to stereotypes of landlords, The Düsseldorfer Model of counting homeless people
lack of social housing, and high costs. allows focusing on the number and situation of homeless
people in Düsseldorf, both within the framework of a
3.2.7. Employment
quantitative count (i.e., a complete night count of the city’s
Most of the interviewees reported being unemployed and areas according to specific criteria and a key date survey
living on social benefits. Whereas some older respondents had of actors involved in the homeless support system) and a
various work experiences characterized by different levels of qualitative survey. Only following the qualitative approach,
education, a wide variety of fields, and diverse employment however, was it possible to ascertain how many people are
relationships, a few of the younger interviewees stated that homeless and to reveal their living situations. Analogous
they were even working for temporary employment agencies to experiences reported in other cities, such quantitative
or in illegal sectors of the economy. To be able to afford their analyses of the number of homeless people and qualitative
own residences, they greatly aspired for employment. supplements of their living situations are prerequisites
for deriving concrete recommendations for action
3.2.8. Material situation (e.g., Arbeitskreis Wohnraum für junge Menschen, 2021;
The interviewees also reported receiving social benefits. Busch-Geertsema, 2019; City of Paris, 2021; Hermans
However, because the benefits are insufficient, several of & Pleace, 2020; Gerull, 2019). Based on the empirical
the interviewees have resorted to “scrounging,” selling findings, recommendations for action for homeless
newspapers, or collecting donations. For the interviewees, support institutions are as follows.

Volume 9 Issue 1 (2023) 64 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.397