A Shadowed Problem Area: Women Homelessness

Abstract

This study, which was conducted to describe the problems experienced by homeless women and to develop solutions in the focus of social work, was designed as a case study in qualitative research method. A semi-structured interview form was used as a data collection tool. It was conducted face-to-face with 22 volunteer female participants living in shelters serving homeless individuals in Istanbul province and living on the streets between January 25 and February 6, 2020. The data were analyzed by phenomenological data analysis. For discourse-level analysis, the data were re-read over and over, and in accordance with the purpose of the research, the reasons for the participants' transition to the homelessness process and their thoughts on the risks they may encounter were discussed in two separate sections. The discourses of women are given in detail. In the findings obtained from the research; Among the factors that cause homelessness among female participants are family problems and inaccessibility to cheap rental housing and unemployment. However, it has been determined that the important risk factors that women may encounter in case of being homeless are shaped around hunger and cold, exposure to violence and being a victim of crime. It is recommended to develop social policies and social work practices that will protect women from homelessness.