Estimated number of homeless people in Marseille in 2016

Abstract

Abstract Context Since 2011, a project in favour of access to rights, access to care and continuity of care for homeless people has been implemented in Marseille (ASSAb project: Access to Care for the Homeless). One of its main lines of action is to improve public knowledge and has led to a census of homeless adults in Marseille in 2016. Methods The methodological approach chosen is based on a survey via homeless services, known as the ’Danish’ method, which consists of counting the number of people who have used homeless services at least once over a given period (Brousse, 2005; Marpsat, 2009; FEANTSA, 2016). This approach avoids the difficulties of recording seasonal variations or any other one-off event and controls double counting. Results In 2016, during the year, 14,063 people were at least once homeless in an emergency and accessed a dedicated reception or care facility. Compared to 2011, when 12,648 people were counted, this study reveals an overall increase of 11.2% in this population and a important increase in the number of women (+47%), elderly people (+24%) and minors (+85%). Conclusions Association, institutions and professionals in the field report a greater feeling of increase in the population concerned than shown in this study. The saturation of the reception and support capacities of the structures and the evolution of the situation since 2016 partly explains this representation difference. Key messages This study informs policy makers and helps them in strategic orientations (Court of Accounts, 2017). This study provides input for the thinking and actions of the homeless sector.