Deneyimin Gücü: Evsizlikle Mücadelede Eski Evsizliği Bir Kaynak Olarak Değerlendirmek
Hakan KaramanBu çalışmanın temel amacı, evsizlikle mücadele alanında eski evsizliğin bir kaynak olarak nasıl ele alınabileceğini değerlendirmektir. Nitel araştırma yöntemine göre tasarlanan bu araştırmada fenomenolojik desen tercih edilmiştir. Bu doğrultuda evsizlik alanında gönüllü veya profesyonel çalışma tecrübesine sahip 11 katılımcı ile derinlemesine görüşmeler yapılmıştır. Elde edilen veriler betimsel analiz aracılığı ile yorumlanarak dört tema altında okuyucuya sunulmuştur. Ulaşılan verilerde eski evsizlerin, ihtiyaçlar ve ilişkiler yönünden sokak yaşamını iyi tanıdığı ve sokak çalışmalarında kullanılabilecek güçlü iletişim becerilerine sahip olduğu aktarılmıştır. Bu beceriler neticesinde eski evsizlerin sokaktaki evsizlere rehberlik etme, motivasyon oluşturma, etkili iletişim ve güven sağlama gibi rolleri yerine getirebileceği vurgulanmıştır. Diğer yandan bu sürecin eski evsizler açısından travmatize olma, yardım etme isteğini kontrol edememe, hizmetlerde kendini öne çıkarma, evsizi ve evsizliği istismar etme gibi riskleri de barındırabileceği belirlenmiştir. Bu risklere karşı eski evsizliğin yalnızca barınmaya geçmiş olmakla değil psikososyal iyileşme ile ilişkili olarak değerlendirilmesi önerilmektedir. Yine eski evsizlerin sahaya çıkmadan önce psikolojik sağlamlık, iletişim becerileri, kriz yönetimi gibi konularda hazırlanması önerilirken süreç içinde eski evsize yönelik sürekli bir desteğin sunulması gerekli görülmüştür. Eski evsizlerin doğrudan sokakta bulunmanın yanı sıra bu alanda çalışanlara danışman statüsünde katkı verebileceği ve topluma yönelik farkındalık çalışmalarında etkili roller alabileceği belirtilmiştir. Sonuç itibariyle eski evsizliğin sağladığı doğal tecrübeden ilgili öneriler çerçevesinde faydalanılmasının, evsizlikle mücadeleye özgün bir katkı sunacağı düşünülmektedir.
The Power of Experience: Utilizing Former Homelessness as a Resource to Combat Homelessness
Hakan KaramanThe primary aim of this study is to evaluate how the experience of former homelessness can be considered a resource in the field of combating homelessness. The research was conducted according to a qualitative research design. In-depth interviews were conducted with 11 participants who work voluntarily or professionally in the field of homelessness within the scope of the research. The data obtained were interpreted thematically. The obtained data indicated that former homeless people are well acquainted with street life in terms of needs and relationships and have strong communication skills that can be used in street work. It was emphasized that as a result of these skills, former homeless people can fulfill roles such as guiding, creating motivation, effective communication and providing trust for homeless people. On the other hand, it was determined that this process may also contain risks such as traumatization, inability to control the desire to help, putting oneself forward in services and abusing the homeless and homelessness. Against these risks, it is recommended that former homelessness be evaluated not only in relation to moving to shelter but also in relation to psychosocial recovery. In addition, it is recommended that former homeless people be prepared in terms of psychological resilience, communication skills and crisis management before going out into the field, and it was deemed necessary to provide continuous support to the former homeless during the process. Also it has been determined that former homeless people can contribute to those working in this field as consultants and take effective roles in awareness activities aimed at society, in addition to being directly on the streets. As a result, it is thought that utilizing the natural experience provided by former homelessness within the framework of relevant suggestions will make a unique contribution to the fight against homelessness.
Background
Homelessness represents a complex, multifaceted issue confronting modern societies, affecting a wide range of individuals due to inadequate housing, lack of social support, and various socio-economic factors. Beyond the obvious lack of stable housing, homelessness involves diverse challenges such as mental health issues, substance abuse, and social exclusion (Crane et al., 2006). Therefore, the strategies to address homelessness must be equally comprehensive, incorporating multidimensional approaches that aim to provide long-term solutions. These strategies must also address the socio-economic, psychological, and interpersonal dimensions of homelessness to achieve sustainable outcomes for affected individuals.
One of the key strategies employed to combat homelessness is street work, which involves direct engagement with individuals living on the streets. Street work is crucial because it enables service providers to identify the immediate needs of homeless individuals, offer support, and create tailored interventions that address both their urgent and long-term requirements (Bodelan, 2016). This approach is particularly valuable because it allows service providers to meet homeless individuals where they are, literally and metaphorically, and develop relationships based on trust and understanding. However, recent research highlights that former homeless individuals may serve as a unique and underutilized resource in street work. Their lived experiences equip them with a profound understanding of street life, enabling them to empathize deeply with those currently experiencing homelessness and communicate more effectively (Watson & Cuervo, 2017). Former homeless individuals can leverage their experiences to serve as guides, role models, and motivational figures for those still on the streets, facilitating their transition to stable housing. However, while the potential for former homeless individuals to contribute positively to homelessness interventions is significant, their involvement in such efforts also presents challenges and risks. This study aims to explore the specific roles that former homeless individuals can play in combating homelessness, the characteristics that make them suitable for these roles, and the risks associated with their participation in street work.
Method
This qualitative study seeks to answer the central research question: “How can former homelessness be utilized as a resource in combating homelessness?” The research focuses on understanding the characteristics of former homeless individuals, the specific roles they can play in street work, the potential risks they face, and the most effective ways to harness their contributions. Given the exploratory nature of this research, a qualitative methodology was deemed most appropriate, as it allows for an in-depth exploration of participants’ lived experiences and perspectives (Yıldırım & Şimşek, 2018).
The study involved conducting in-depth interviews with 11 participants who had professional or voluntary experience working in homelessness services. These participants were selected based on two criteria: their prior experience of homelessness and their current or past involvement in homelessness interventions, either as volunteers or professionals. The data were collected using a semi-structured interview format, allowing for flexibility in exploring participants’ experiences while ensuring that key topics were covered. The interviews were analyzed thematically, identifying key themes related to the roles, challenges, and contributions of former homeless individuals in street work.
Results
The thematic analysis revealed several key findings regarding the roles of former homeless individuals in street work and the potential risks they face. First, the study found that former homeless individuals possess a deep and nuanced understanding of the dynamics of street life, which enables them to empathize with current homeless individuals in ways that service providers without such experiences may struggle to do. This insight allows them to anticipate the needs of those still living on the streets and engage in communication that is both effective and sensitive to the challenges these individuals face. Additionally, former homeless individuals were found to be well-equipped to serve as role models and guides for current homeless individuals. Their successful transitions from homelessness to stable housing provide them with credibility and relatability, enabling them to offer both practical guidance and motivational support. Their lived experiences allow them to demonstrate to others that overcoming homelessness is possible, instilling hope and motivation in those still struggling.
However, the study also identified several risks associated with involving former homeless individuals in street work. The most significant risk is re-traumatization, as returning to the streets—an environment that once caused them great distress—may trigger past emotional and psychological pain. The experience of homelessness is inherently traumatic, involving exposure to violence, neglect, and instability (Goodman et al., 1991). Thus, even after securing housing, former homeless individuals may carry deep psychological scars. Engaging in street work, particularly when working directly with current homeless individuals, may exacerbate these scars, leading to emotional setbacks.
Another potential risk is that former homeless individuals may struggle to manage their desire to help, leading them to overstep boundaries in their relationships with current homeless individuals. The strong empathy they feel for those still on the streets may cause them to blur the lines between professional support and personal involvement, which could compromise the effectiveness of their interventions and lead to emotional burnout (Breyer, 2020). Moreover, there is a risk that former homeless individuals may project their own experiences onto others, assuming that the path they followed out of homelessness is the only valid approach. This can result in a lack of flexibility and sensitivity to the diverse needs and experiences of current homeless individuals.
Finally, there is the potential for abusing, where former homeless individuals might misuse their position to prioritize personal gain over the well-being of those they aim to help. In some cases, individuals may exploit their past experiences of homelessness to gain social or financial advantages, undermining the integrity of the support they provide. This risk is particularly pronounced in situations where former homeless individuals are not adequately supported or monitored, as the power dynamics between them and the homeless individuals they work with can be easily manipulated (Potter, 2006).
To mitigate these risks, the study suggests that the involvement of former homeless individuals in street work should be carefully managed. It is recommended that their role in such work not be based solely on having secured housing but also on their psychosocial recovery. Moreover, former homeless individuals should receive training in psychological resilience, communication skills, and crisis management before engaging in outreach work. Continuous support should be provided to them throughout their involvement in street-level work to ensure they are emotionally and mentally equipped to handle the challenges. The study also suggests that former homeless individuals can contribute in roles beyond direct street outreach. They could serve as consultants to those working in the field, helping professionals better understand the dynamics of street life. Additionally, they could play an active role in raising public awareness about homelessness, leveraging their personal experiences to educate and inform the broader community.
Conclusion
The experiences of former homeless individuals offer a valuable resource in the fight against homelessness. Their empathy, communication skills, and deep understanding of street life can make them highly effective in helping current homeless individuals. However, their involvement in street work must be managed carefully to prevent the risks associated with re-traumatization, boundary violations, and exploitation. By providing appropriate training, ongoing support, and carefully defined roles, former homeless individuals can make a unique and meaningful contribution to homelessness interventions, helping to build trust, motivate change, and offer hope to those still struggling on the streets.