The document summarizes the configuration of homelessness in Greece during the financial crisis. It finds that homelessness was initially seen as an imported problem, but rising housing issues coincided with immigrant influx. It estimates homelessness increased dramatically from 2009-2011. The homeless are categorized as traditional (unemployed, addictions, no support) or new ("neo-homeless" middle class affected by the crisis). Immigrants experience hidden homelessness through overcrowding. The challenge is creating prevention policies under fiscal constraints to address the crisis's housing impacts.

1. KLIMAKA
For the development
of human and social capital
The Configuration of Homelessness in Greece
during the financial crisis
Alamanou A., Stamatogiannopoulou E.,
Theodorikakou O., Katsadoros K.
KLIMAKA NGO – Greece
Interdisciplinary
Center 'Sciences
EUROPEAN RESEARCH CONFERENCE for peace’
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Pisa, 16th September 2011

2. Homelessness in Greece
At the beginning of 90’s the phenomenon of homelessness in Greece was
considered rather “imported”. This wrong impression was due to the
fact that the rising housing problems of Greek citizens coincided with
the influx of immigrants and asylum seekers.
EUROPEAN RESEARCH CONFERENCE
Homelessness, Migration and Demographic Change in
Europe

3. Countries of origin (’90s)
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Homelessness, Migration and Demographic Change in
Europe

4. Homelessness in Greece
Estimated increase (2009-2011)
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Homelessness, Migration and Demographic Change in
Europe

5. Categorization of the homeless population
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Homelessness, Migration and Demographic Change in
Europe

6. “Traditional Homeless”
People in homelessness due to the combination
of the following factors:
 Unemployment, low income
 Mental health problems, mostly dual diagnosis (gambling,
drug/alcohol addiction)
 Absence of supportive network
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Homelessness, Migration and Demographic Change in
Europe

7. “Traditional Homeless”
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Homelessness, Migration and Demographic Change in
Europe

8. “New homeless Generation – Neo-homeless”
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Homelessness, Migration and Demographic Change in
Europe

9. “New homeless Generation – Neo-homeless”
 Middle / Higher Educational Background
Former Satisfactory Living Standard
Middle Social Level
Occupied in economic branches particularly affected by the
crisis
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Homelessness, Migration and Demographic Change in
Europe

10. “New homeless Generation – Neo-homeless”
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Homelessness, Migration and Demographic Change in
Europe

11. Immigrants / Asylum seekers in transitory stage
 “Hidden Homelessness”
Roofless for a short time but
in adequate housing and/or extreme overcrowding for long
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Homelessness, Migration and Demographic Change in
Europe

12. Immigrants / Asylum seekers in transitory stage
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Homelessness, Migration and Demographic Change in
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13. Towards a prevention policy model in the crisis
 The challenge consists of the quest of policy models
sufficient to address the impacts of the crisis to the
citizens’ housing.
 At the same time these policy models have to be
harmonized with the lack of economic resources.
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Homelessness, Migration and Demographic Change in
Europe

14. Thank you for your attention
Ε-mail: central@klimaka.org.gr
Skype: klimaka.shelter
EUROPEAN RESEARCH CONFERENCE
Homelessness, Migration and Demographic Change in
Europe