Date/Time
Date(s) - Wed - 13 Jul
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Categories
Dear friends of the UFC,
The Urban Futures Centre (DUT) is pleased to invite you to its 17th seminar of the year! Join us for a presentation entitled ” Understanding homelessness in Durban: A mixed-methods approach to starting an informed discussion about policies”, delivered by Furzana Timol & Candice Groenewald.
PRESENTER: Furzana Timol & Candice Groenewald.
TOPIC: ” Understanding homelessness in Durban: A mixed-methods approach to starting an informed discussion about policies”,
DATE: Wednesday, 13 July 2016.
TIME: 12H00-13H30
VENUE: Steve Biko Campus – DUT, S2 Block, Level 1, BS2103. Entrance Gate 1 & 2. 79 Steve Biko Road
Abstract – Understanding homelessness in Durban: A mixed-methods approach to starting an informed discussion about policies
Homelessness is a multi-dimensional concept that can range from physical rooflessness to those in insecure housing and encompasses concepts of security, belonging, dignity and access to basic human rights. While efforts have been made to understand homelessness within the Durban Context, the HSRC study is the largest and most comprehensive attempt at understanding the nature and extent of homelessness in Durban. The study was designed as a multiphase, mixed methods study rooted in the principles of community based participatory action research (CBPAR). This study aimed to firstly better understand the nature of homelessness in Durban through qualitative methodologies, and then to determine how common narratives were through a census of all people living on the streets and in formal shelters in the Durban central business district and immediate surrounds. The study was designed in a way that brought together various community based organisations, governmental organisations and academics working in the area of homelessness, in order to foster project ownership and serve as a platform to begin policy discussions about homelessness.
The HSRC study found close to 4000 people living on the streets and in the shelters of Durban, roughly evenly split between the two spaces. Key pathways into homelessness include seeking employment and family related issues (including close family death and family disagreement). Various sub-groups within the larger population emerged and it emerged that these groups have very different pathways into homelessness and experiences of homelessness.
Policy discussions formed the final component of this multiphase study and discussions highlighted the need for targeted interventions within 6 key themes of: job creation, shelters, law enforcement, public awareness, help/drop-in centres and targeted services. Homelessness is clearly a complex phenomenon affecting a range of individuals in different ways. There is no single or simple solution to homelessness but rather a need for a range of tailored interventions that are evidence-based and brought about through effective co-ordination and strong leadership.
Bio
Furzana Timol is a Researcher in the Human and Social Development unit of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) of South Africa. She was the project manager for the study. Her research interests include econometrics and impact evaluations in the areas of child health and community development.
Candice Groenewald is a Post-doctoral fellow at the Human and Social Development unit of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) of South Africa. Her research interests include adolescent risk behaviours, family studies, and youth, society and belonging.
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We look forward to seeing you at the seminar