Homelessness and Unemployment During the Economic Recession: The Case of the City of Girona

Abstract

Although the research suggests that the main causes of homelessness are classified in individual and structural factors, there are few scientific articles which evaluate the impact of structural factors such as unemployment during periods of economic recession. The objective of this study is to compare the evolution of the total rate of homelessness with the total rate of unemployment in the city of Girona (Catalonia) during the economical recession (2006-2016) and to determine if unemployment is a predictive factor of homelessness. This is the first study with a Catalan sample comparing unemployment and homelessness. The design was longitudinal, retrospective and observational. The correlation tests between unemployment and homelessness indicated strong connections in the combination of the sample (r = .914, p <.001), men (r = .924, p <.001), and women (r = .716, p = 0.013). The results of the different models of simple linear regression used to determine the predictor variables of homelessness indicate that the rise of global unemployment is a predictor variable of the rise of global homelessness (ß = 2.17, p = .002) and male homelessness (ß = .82, p <.001). However, it does not predict specific female homelessness (ß = .88, p =.68).

Mortality Risk Factors for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness in Catalonia (Spain): A 10-Year Retrospective Cohort Study

“…In doing so, we distinguished between Spanish-born and foreign-born people. Spain is one of the main ports of entry for immigrants from Africa and Eastern Europe [ 23 ]. Our analysis sheds light on the characteristics of immigrants at risk of social exclusion and how they are related to health.…”

The Impact of Portuguese Economic and Financial Assistance Program on the Employability of the Azorean Nurse after the Financial Crisis of 2009-2010

“…Precariousness is one of the known effects of recessive cycles on employment dynamics, as it has already been identified by previous research studies in this field. In the aftermath of severe economic crises and the absence of solid public policies directed to youth employability and labour integration, aiming full professional development and integration, there is a high risk of condemning the younger generations to a cycle of precariousness, professional and social devaluation, and exclusion (Gontkovicocá et al, 2015;Calvo et al, 2018;Cvecic & Sokolic, 2018). This will have a very significant and negative repercussions on society as a whole, thus, enhancing the cycle of poverty and asymmetries in income distribution (Livanos et al, 2012;Cvecic & Sokolic, 2018).…”

“…This is even more worrisome for countries like Portugal, Ireland, Greece, and Spain who have both limited financial and demographic resources to address future economic and social challenges and prevent further deterioration (Cvecic & Sokolic, 2018). This juncture influenced young people and their position in the labour market, as many have been trying to find a job but are now threatened by the risk of prolonged joblessness and exclusion (Gontkovicocá et al, 2015;Calvo et al, 2018). Nurses and new nursing graduates are no exception to this situation, despite their critical role in health systems, particularly in countries experiencing more significant difficulties (Gilmour et al, 2017).…”

Individuals experiencing chronic homelessness: A 10‐year follow‐up of a cohort in Spain

“…As a result, homelessness increased significantly in some countries and municipalities (Bainbridge & Carrizales, 2017), especially in those locations where unemployment and foreclosures were most severe (Faber, 2019). In some regions of Spain, the number of Individuals Experiencing Homelessness (IEH) increased fivefold between 2008 and 2016 (Calvo, Carbonell, & Badia, 2018). Some of those affected have been described as chronically homeless in a variety of scientific articles, but without a clear definition of "chronic homelessness" being offered (Fazel, Geddes, & Kushel, 2014).…”