Pathways into Homelessness in Amsterdam
Author Information
Author(s): Igor R van Laere, Matty A de Wit, Niek S Klazinga
Primary Institution: GGD Municipal Public Health Service, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Hypothesis
What are the pathways into homelessness and the associated problems and service use among recently homeless adults in Amsterdam?
Conclusion
Recently homeless individuals in Amsterdam are primarily single men around 40 years old, facing a mix of financial debts, addiction, and health issues, with inadequate service contacts before and during homelessness.
Supporting Evidence
- 38% of participants reported eviction as the main pathway into homelessness.
- 61% reported financial debts before becoming homeless.
- Only 38% had contact with social services before homelessness.
Takeaway
This study looked at how people become homeless in Amsterdam and found that many face problems like debt and addiction, but the help they get isn't enough to keep them from becoming homeless.
Methodology
Interviews were conducted with recently homeless adults in Amsterdam to gather data on their demographics, pathways into homelessness, and service use.
Potential Biases
Self-reported data may introduce bias, particularly regarding medical problems and service use.
Limitations
Data on medical problems were self-reported and may not be comparable to other studies; a random sample could not be drawn due to lack of registration of homelessness duration.
Participant Demographics
Participants were primarily single men, average age 38 years, with 88% male and 50% Dutch.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.001 for domestic conflicts, p = 0.009 for financial debts.
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 2.0–25.0 for financial debts associated with alcohol problems.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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