What are the causes of homelessness in your country?
Our article about homelessless in wealthy Switzerland (see below) sparked many reactions. Now we want to hear from you, our readers, on how the situation compares elsewhere: what are the main drivers of homelessness where you live? Have you come across appropriate approaches to tackle the problem? Let us know.
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Homeless people in wealthy Switzerland share their stories
Here in New Orleans homelessness is concentrated in the center of New Orleans, Under bridges. It is sad and wish we could do something about it . I guess a small percentage want to live like that but the majority lack education and proper training to earn a decent living.
Rent is high now due to property insurance surged prices. I am an immigrant who for many years lived from paycheck to paycheck, although I had an office job my salary was low to provide for myself and my son. In the year 2000 I lost my job due to my company moving to Texas, so I desired to start my own business in bookkeeping and tax preparation. It took a number of years to make it work. I am now living my dream. I employ two young ladies who I trained from scratch right out of high school. They are my right hand, without them I would not be where I am. Both are now home owners and love their work. I believe businesses should watch out for those employees who contribute to their growth.
Thank you for sharing your inspiring story! Your story is a real source of inspiration. You have overcome great challenges and succeeded in building a successful career in addition to having a positive impact on the lives of others. The opportunity you gave to these two young ladies reflects your commitment to the professional and personal growth of individuals in your community. It shows how protecting people from homelessness is also a community responsibility and not just the responsibility of the state.
شكرًا لمشاركتنا قصتك الملهمة! قصتك مصدر إلهام حقيقي، لقد تغلبت على التحديات الكبيرة ونجحت في بناء حياة مهنية ناجحة بالإضافة إلى تأثيرك الإيجابي على حياة الآخرين. الفرصة التي قدمتها لهاتين السيدتين الشابتين تعكس التزامك بالنمو المهني والشخصي للأفراد في مجتمعك وهذا يظهر كيف أن حماية الأشخاص من التشرد مسؤولية مجتمعية أيضا وليس مسؤولية الدولة فقط.
I live in the USA, and the reason for homelessness is politics, because of democracy/socialism. That's why a lot of people live on the streets. It is very sad.
Ich lebe in den USA, und die Grunde fur Obdachlosigkeit is the Politik, wegen der Demokratie/ Sozialismus. Darum leben viele Leute auf der Strassen. Es ist sehr traurig.
Thank you for this contribution. Can you explain, how does democracy/socialism lead to displacement?
شكرا لك على هذه المساهمة. هل لك أن توضح، كيف تؤدي الديمقراطية/الاشتراكية إلى التشرد؟
There is zero reason for people in rich countries to be homeless. I live in Switzerland but am from the UK. It's said everyone is 2 salaries away from being homeless. The trouble is, not enough affordable homes to rent or buy are built. Many new developments have to include a portion of cheap housing, but, so far, I've found none I'd class as affordable. Plus, the NIMBYs (not in my backyard) people do not want poor people living in their areas. I know some people chose to be homeless, but most do not. In many cases it's not their fault - in the UK greedy landlords can evict people for no fault of their own, just to put the rent up. Any landlord dong this should be jailed.
Thank you for this contribution.
شكرا لك على هذه المساهمة.
In Saint Louis, a France-Swiss border city where I'm based, the number of homeless people is very low. Those who are jobless here are well looked after either by their families or by the the social services. I think, Saint - Louis is doing a great job in this area. Despite all the financial difficulties the local government is faced with, they managed to keep the quality of life at an acceptable level. Bravo "Saint Louis, Ville d'avenir" .
Thank you very much for this contribution.
شكرا جزيلا لك على هذه المساهمة.
In Greece, the situation is bad.
The reason for homelessness is poverty. It's the only reason.
It is hardly possible to help these people.
The authorities report that there is very little money.
However, there are citizens who volunteer to help, but unfortunately this help is not enough.
It is unbearable not to have any more hope.
It takes a certain amount of courage to survive!
In Griechenland ist die Situation schlimm.
Der Grund der Obdachlosigkeit ist Armut. Der einzige Grund.
Es ist kaum möglich diese Leute zu helfen.
Die Behörden melden, daß sehr wenig Geld da ist.
Jedoch gibt es Bürger und Bürgerinnen die freiwillig helfen, aber leider genügt diese Hilfe nicht.
Es ist unerträglich keine Hoffnung mehr zu haben.
Es bedarf eine gewisse Portion Courage um überleben zu können!
Thank you very much for this contribution.
شكرا جزيلا لك على هذه المساهمة.
I live in Ticino (Lugano), but I have never seen homeless people, or at least only one who was already homeless in Milan. After emigrating to Switzerland, rather than paying rent with what little he earned, he preferred to continue his life as a 'bum' in Lugano. Now he has returned home and lives in Veneto in an old inherited farmhouse.
Vivo in Ticino (Lugano), ma di senzatetto non ne ho mai visti, o perlomeno uno solo che fu già un senzatetto a Milano. Emigrato in Svizzera, piuttosto che pagare un affitto con il poco che guadagnava , preferiva continuare la sua vita da "barbone" a Lugano. Ora è tornato in patria e vive nel Veneto in un vecchio casolare ereditato.
Thank you for this contribution. It is really remarkable that there is only one homeless person in Ticino. For example, I live in Bell City and I see many homeless people, especially in the train station square. Are there any particular reasons why the city of Ticino is different in this regard?
شكرا لك على هذه المساهمة. فعلا أمر لافت ألا يكون في تيتشينو سوى مشرد واحد. أنا مثلا أعيش في مدينة بيل وأرى الكثير من المشردين والمشردات ولا سيما في ساحة محطة القطارات. هل هناك أسباب معينة تجعل مدينة تتشينو مختلفة في هذا الصدد؟
In Peru, 25% of the population is in extreme poverty, the Peruvian State's poor strategic planning in education and the continuous irresponsibility of each citizen in not taking on challenges in life mean that 25% do not even have a decent roof to live in
En Perú el 25% de la población es de pobreza extrema, el deficiente planeamiento estratégico en educación del peruano por el Estado Peruano y la continua irresponsabilidad de cada ciudadano en no asumir retos en la vida hace que ese 25% no tenga siquiera un techo digno donde vivir
Thank you for this contribution.
شكرا لك على هذه المساهمة.
Socialism.
Thank you for your contribution. I think that the discussion about the effectiveness of socialism as a solution to the problem of homelessness remains a topic that raises different opinions. Some praise it as a possible solution while others criticize it because of the challenges that may face its implementation on the ground.
Some people hail socialism as an economic and social system that seeks to distribute resources and wealth in a more equitable manner among all members of society and to reduce or eliminate class differences.
However, the implementation of these policies in the fight against homelessness depends largely on the efficiency and effectiveness of government administration and available resources. This is evidenced by the fact that in many socialist-oriented countries, the problem of homelessness still exists due to various factors.
شكرا لك على هذه المساهمة، أعتقد أن النقاش حول مدى فاعلية الاشتراكية كحل لمشكلة التشرد يظل موضوعًا يثير آراء متباينة، حيث يشيد به البعض كحل محتمل في حين ينتقده آخرون بسبب التحديات التي قد تواجه تنفيذه على أرض الواقع.
البعض يشيد بالاشتراكية كنظام اقتصادي واجتماعي تسعى إلى توزيع الموارد والثروات بطريقة أكثر عدالة بين جميع أفراد المجتمع، وتقليل أو القضاء على الفوارق الطبقية.
لكن تطبيق هذه السياسيات في مكافحة التشرد يعتمد بشكل كبير على كفاءة وفعالية الإدارة الحكومية والموارد المتاحة، والدليل على ذلك أنه في العديد من الدول ذات التوجهات الاشتراكية، لا تزال مشكلة التشرد موجودة بسبب عوامل مختلفة.
In Japan, where I live, most homeless people exist in cities.
Most of them are people who don't want to cause trouble to their families and those involved.
Many of them are not supposed to exist due to debt or other reasons.
There are a number of support groups for them.
Many support groups provide housing and food.
Many support groups have made anti-Japanese claims.
Many support groups use welfare systems for them, but they are unable to get out of their difficult lives because the group cuts out some money.
Incidentally, there are almost no foreign homeless people.
This is because specific people work desperately to protect the lives of foreigners.
私が住む国日本では、ホームレスは、その多くが都会に存在します。
彼等の多くは、家族や関係者に迷惑をかけたくない、という人達です。
彼等の多くが、借金その他の理由によって、存在してはいけないことになっています。
彼等の為に、支援団体が幾つも存在します。
支援団体の多くは、住宅や食料を提供します。
支援団体の多くは、反日的な主張をしています。
支援団体の多くは、彼等の為に生活保護制度を利用しますが、団体がいくらかを中抜きする為に、彼等は苦しい生活から抜け出すことができません。
ちなみに、外国人のホームレスは、ほとんどいません。
それは、特定の人々が、外国人の生活を保護する為に、必死に活動するからです。
Thank you for this contribution.
شكرا لك على هذه المساهمة.
Unemployment + poverty and lack of income + deteriorating economic conditions + lack of social housing + addiction and mental health problems + family emergencies. These are some of the common causes of homelessness in Spain
البطالة + الفقر وانعدام الدخل + تدهور الأوضاع الاقتصادية + نقص السكن الاجتماعي + الإدمان والمشاكل الصحية العقلية + الطوارئ العائلية. هذه بعض الأسباب الشائعة للتشرد في إسبانيا
Thank you for this contribution.
شكرا لك على هذه المساهمة.
Thank you for your contribution. How are these problems addressed as symptoms of homelessness in Spain?
شكرا لك على هذه المساهمة، وكيف يتم مواجهة هذه المشاكل كعوارض لظاهرة التشرد في إسبانيا؟
London has around 8.9M people living in it - and of those approximately 167K are homeless.
Switzerland has around 8.7M people living in it - and of those approximately 2.2K are homeless.
Similar populations, yet vastly different numbers of homelessness. Why?
Poverty, lack of housing and 'life events' are frequently quoted as being issues that lead to homelessness.
There is nothing we can do about life events, they will happen to everyone, housed or unhoused, rich or poor, healthy or unhealthy, wise or dumb.
But there is plenty we can do about poverty and lack of affordable housing - in whatever nation we are living.
Thank you for this contribution. Don't you think that politics can play a positive role in breaking the cycle of poverty and removing displaced people from the streets?
شكرا لك على هذه المساهمة. ألا ترى بأن السياسة يمكن أن تلعب دوراً إيجابياً في كسر دوامة الفقر وانتشال الأشخاص المشردين من الشوارع؟
2.2 million homeless in SWITZERLAND?? But where did you go to get these absurd stratospheric figures? Would it mean that a quarter of the Swiss live under bridges? We're just not there: a minimum of verification is needed before things are published that are clearly out of reality!
2,2 milioni di senzatetto in SVIZZERA ?? Ma dove sei andato a prendere queste cifre stratosferiche assurde ? Significherebbe che un quarto degli Svizzeri vivono sotto i ponti? Proprio non ci siamo: un minimo di verifica occorre prima che si pubblicano cose manifestamente fuori dalla realtà !
Embarak Falhawi Al-Maghrib
Family disputes and quarrels lead to the creation of family conflict between family members, allowing for a tense family atmosphere and friendly competition between parents and children, which leads parents to use educational methods that may often be wrong and inappropriate in dealing with children. On the other hand, children may use defensive mechanisms in response to the provocation of parents, or avoid confrontation and escape from home towards the street. There is no doubt that conflict within the family affects the psychological development of children and their social upbringing in terms of ambiguous roles in the crisis family environment that may push their children to the street without realizing the seriousness of the situation on their tools and society.
أمبارك فلحاوي المغرب
تؤدي الخلافات و الشجارات الأسرية الى خلق نزاع أسري بين أفراد الأسرة، مما يسمح بوجود جو أسري مشحون بالتوتر و المنافسة الندية بين الأولياء و الأبناء، و هو الأمر الذي يدفع بالآباء الى استخدام أساليب تربوية قد تكون في كثير من الأحيان خاطئة و غير مناسبة في التعامل مع الأبناء. و في المقابل قد يستخدم الأبناء آليات دفاعية كرد فعل لاستفزاز الآباء، أو تفادي المواجهة و الهروب من المنزل نحو الشارع.. و مما لا شك فيه أن الصراع داخل الأسرة يؤثر في النمو النفسي للأبناء و في تنشئتهم الاجتماعية و ذلك من حيث غموض الأدوار في الوسط الأسري المتأزم الذي قد يدفع بأبنائه نحو الشارع دون إدراك منه لخطورة الوضع على دواتهم و على مجتمعهم..
Thank you for this contribution. Does this mean that the family in Morocco is the backbone of the individual in society and without family support, falling into poverty and homelessness is likely?
شكرا لك على هذه المساهمة. هل يعني هذا أن الأسرة في المغرب هي العمود الفقري للفرد في المجتمع ودون الدعم الأسري ، فإن الوقوع في براثن الفقر والتشرد أمر محتمل؟
I am indigent from Argentina and I live in a home for street people. I can speak properly on the subject. Here in Argentina (Buenos Aires specifically), there is a lot of ignorance. Our population has suffered and is suffering the devastating effects of populism and populist governments of the last 30 years that only increased ignorance and mental pauperism. It is very difficult to be able to enter into a NORMAL DIALOGUE with people under 35/ 40 years of age due to their lack of preparation in various subjects and their ignorance of everything. There is no interest in our society in general in learning. It's sad and scary to see so many people using their mental/neural capacity at 15 or 20 × 100. Our average young population uses a lexicon of 100 or 200 words at most and there you can see the devastating effects of populism (Peronism). Thank you and I hope it will help you to learn a little about what is happening here in Argentina in the first person.
Soy indigente argentino y vivo en un hogar para gente de la calle. Puedo hablar con propiedad sobre el tema. Aqui en Argentina (Buenos Aires especificamente), hay mucha ignorancia . Nuestra poblacion ha padecido y esta padeciendo los efectos devastadores del populismo y los gobiernos populistas de los ultimos 30 años que no hicieron mas que acrecentar la ignorancia y el pauperismo mental. Es muy dificil poder entablar UN DIALOGO NORMAL con personas menores de 35/ 40 años debido a su falta de preparacion en temas diversos y a su desconocimiento de todo. No hay interes en nuestra sociedad en general en aprender . Es triste y asusta ver tanta gente utilizando su capacidad mental/neuronal al 15 o 20 × 100 . Nuestra poblacion joven promedio utiliza un lexico de 100 o 200 palabras como mucho y alli se ven los efectos devastadores del populismo ( peronismo ). Gracias y espero les sirva de ayuda para conocer un poco lo que pasa aqui en Argentina en 1ra persona.
Thank you very much for sharing your personal experience with us. Can we ask you if you want to answer why you are staying in a home to help homeless people? With all due respect and affection
شكرا جزيلا لك على مشاركتك تجربتك الشخصية معنا. هل لنا أن نسألك لو أردت الإجابة، عن سبب إقامتك في منزل لمساعدة الأشخاص المشردين؟ مع فائق احترامي ومودتي
Here is Austin, Texas homelessness is a major problem and it seems to be getting worse. This is despite the growing economy thanks to the tech sector. The causes of homelessness, it seems, include: rapid increases in the cost of housing/leasing, a lack of help for those with mental health and or substance abuse issues, personal bankruptcy from medical costs, and a general view held by much of the public (and almost all elected officials) that homelessness is the result of the homeless being "lazy" and "not working hard enough." Thus, there is little to no assistance for those who find themselves homeless.
So, what about solutions? Since we seem to have none here in Texas we need to look elsewhere. Finland, it seems, has been rather successful. Finland seems to take the opposite approach from Texas when it comes to substance abuse and homelessness. In Texas, if someone is homeless and has a drug problem, they will not get even what little the government offers in assistance until they first prove they no longer have a drug problem. Specialists tell us, it is very difficult to stop abusing drugs if one does not have housing. Thus, the problems continues. Where in Finland they take a "housing first" approach where housing is provided along with regular assistance to end the drug dependency. This policy seems to address both the drug dependency issue and the homeless issue.
To me, this is but one example, of where well thought out, well financed, and well executed public policies can be effective. The policy must address the cause of the problem (here homelessness) not just the symptom. On this score Texas and the rest of the United States is failing miserably.
Thank you very much for this contribution.
شكرا جزيلا لك على هذه المساهمة.
In our country, there are many reasons, the most important of which are wars that have led to massive destruction of homes and property, lack of employment opportunities, ethnic and sectarian strife, violence and corruption at all levels...
While here in Switzerland in particular
I think homelessness is a personal choice
Whether it is by the will of the person or as a result of the circumstances that also created it
such as drug addiction and unwillingness to work
Of course, displacement cases here are very limited and cannot be compared to other countries
Moreover, even homeless people here cannot be found in the street or under a tent. There are places for them to take refuge in, often temporarily...
The question is if there are policies or attempts by parties to solve the problem in our country or even reduce it
According to my opinion, not at all. On the contrary, everything that happens on the ground worsens the situation
And catastrophic
Simply because humans have no value in our communities
Political elites are the last to think about citizens and improve their situation
Most of their thinking is how to steal what the poor citizen has left
في بلادنا توجد العديد من الأسباب منها والاهم الحروب التي أدت لدمار هائل في البيوت و الممتلكات و قلة فرص العمل و التناحر العرقي و المذهبي و العنف و الفساد على المستويات كافة…..
بينما هنا في سويسرا بالذات
أعتقد بان التشرد خيار شخصي
ان كان بإرادة الشخص او نتيجة الظروف التي ايضاً هو السبب بخلقها
مثل الادمان على المخدرات و عدم الرغبة بالعمل
بالطبع حالات التشرد هنا محدودة جدا ولا يمكن المقارنة بباقي البلدان
ثم ان حتى المشرد هنا لا تجده في الشارع او تحت خيمة توجد لهم اماكن يلجأون إليها و غالباً يكون بشكل مؤقت….
والسؤال إذا كانت هناك سياسات او محاولات من جهات لحل المشكلة في بلادنا او حتى الحد منها
حسب راي لا أبدا على العكس كل الذي يجري على أرض الواقع يزيد الأوضاع سوءا
و كارثية
ببساطة لان لا قيمة للبشر في مجتمعاتنا
والنخب السياسية آخر همها التفكير بالمواطنين و تحسين اوضاعهم
جل تفكيرهم كيفية سرقة ما تبقى لدى المواطن المسكين
Thank you for this contribution. Homelessness in Switzerland is not always a personal choice. Poverty, unemployment, debt and addiction are important factors in this regard.
شكرا لك على هذه المساهمة. التشرد في سويسرا ليس خياراً شخصياً دائما، فالفقر والبطالة والديون والإدمان عوامل هامة في هذا الصدد.
I am living in Lombok, Indonesia. I do not claim to know everything nor be an expert, however, from casual experience I would say, considering the poverty, homelessness is not a big deal here. The main reason would be that the extended family usually still works quite well. People help each other. Homelessness in rich countries? Do they not all have some relative somewhere? Just wondering...
Thank you for your contribution and sharing your personal experience and observation in your country of residence. Can you tell us how the community deals with the phenomenon of homelessness if the relationships between family members are not strong enough, or if individual circumstances prevent the effective use of this support. Do you think that the family safety net is the most important factor in avoiding poverty and displacement, or is the protection of citizens primarily the task of the social system in every country, especially in rich countries?
شكرا لك على هذه المساهمة ومشاركتك تجربتك الشخصية وملاحظتك في بلد اقامتك. هل لك أن تخبرنا، كيف يتعامل المجتمع مع ظاهرة التشرد، في حال لم تكن العلاقات بين أفراد الأسرة قوية بما فيه الكفاية، أو في حال كانت الظروف الفردية تحول دون استخدام هذا الدعم بفعالية. وهل تعتقد أن شبكة الأمان العائلية هي أهم عامل لتجنب السقوط في براثن الفقر والتشرد أم أن حماية المواطنين والمواطنات هي في الأساس مهمة النظام الاجتماعي في كل دولة ولا سيما في الدول الغنية؟
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