Organizing homeless people: Exploring the emergence of a user organization in Denmark

Abstract

People who are homeless belong to some of the most vulnerable, dispersed and disorganized groups in welfare societies. Yet in 2001, a national interest organization of homeless people was formed for the first time in Denmark. This article identifies the processes that facilitated the formation of the organization. It focuses on the importance of ideological and institutional conditions and changes, and it stresses the importance of alliances between progressive actors in the field and in the political-administrative system, in addition to the presence of dedicated activists among people who are or have been homeless. The analysis may thus serve as a case of inspiration for activists and professionals who want to improve homeless people's opportunities for participation in other national settings.

Drug User Organizations in the Nordic Countries—Local, National, and International Dimensions

“…The article builds on earlier research on drug user organizations in general and the possibilities and influences they have on society (Anker et al, , 2009Herkt, 1993;Kerr et al, 2006;Mold & Berridge, 2008;Van de Wijngaart, 1991). Earlier studies have been comparative in scope, but only few have been comparing drug user organizations in different countries (Anker, 2008;Crofts, Kaldor, Elford, Wodak, & Kidd, 1993;Friedman et al, 1987). The present article thus hopes to further widen the knowledge we have on drug user organizations; however, it does not claim to be able to answer all questions asked.…”

Taking a leap of faith: Meaningful participation of people with experiences of homelessness in solutions to address homelessness

“…Finally, we recommended institutionalized support for peer run organizations of people with experience of homelessness to provide opportunities for development of a concerted voice, strategic direction, service recommendations and advocacy on behalf of their members without the constraints often imposed by larger funding agencies. This has been done in various forms in the United States (Williams, 2005), Canada (Greene, 2005) and Denmark (Anker, 2008).…”

“…If 'social inclusion' means integration into a neoliberalized social structure then its usefulness may be questionable (Porter & Craig, 2004). It is then important that organizations of people with experience of homelessness (Anker, 2008) be supported to foster meaningful participation in a range of decisions that affect them. Such organizations can provide skill development and a range of learning opportunities that enhance the daily lives of people who are homeless and a venue for input to social agencies and governments (Anker, 2009).…”

Consumer participation at Specialist Homelessness Services: Do the homeless have a say in the services they receive?

“…Many were unable to stretch their resources to encompass new activities, despite being motivated to do so. Seal (2008) and Anker (2008), when discussing key elements of consumer participation, write that participation requires time, commitment and resources to be effective, going on to add that the most important resources are human resources. The need to commit resources to participation does not only fall on organisations; consumers also need to be willing to commit resources.…”