Homeless immigrants ineligible for social welfare benefits: identification of sub-groups and their characteristics

Abstract

ABSTRACT Although the number of immigrants stemming from EU countries increased within the last decade, they are widely excluded from social welfare benefits, also from the relevant support systems in case of homelessness. As a result, the daily concerns of homeless immigrants are largely unknown and studies understanding their situation are very scarce. The present study analysed data of homeless immigrants who turned to the only Upper Austrian donation-funded NGO that serves them within a period of one year. In total, 135 different persons visited this NGO and 88 persons agreed that their data can be used for further analyses. The vast majority of these 88 persons were EU citizens (97%), male (65%) and Romanian citizens (64%). They came to this NGO to ask for basic support, followed by support in finding regular work, and the storage of their personal belongings. Subgroup analyses showed that homeless immigrants are a heterogeneous group which need different services in the professional support processes of social work. Based on the empirical findings, this paper gives structured recommendations for social work practice with homeless immigrants.