Homelessness_services
Homelessness services
Specialized programs assisting homeless people
Homelessness services are specialized programs assisting homeless people. While homelessness services may be government-run or government funded, non-profit organizations often play an important role in service delivery.[1] Services supporting homeless people may assist them to achieve positive change in their life and reduce the use of both homelessness services and of other welfare services.[2] While these services are specifically geared toward homeless people, researchers note that the drivers and the responses to homelessness stretch beyond the scope of such services.[3]
Some countries have a scarcity of rigorous research on the outcomes of specialized homelessness services.[4] Others have adopted statistical collection programs to conduct research on outcomes and service delivery.[5][6]
In some countries, the majority of homelessness services are members of a peak body organization.[7] Homelessness peak bodies typically have a reference group made up of member services and meet at least once a year in annual or bi-annual conferences.[8] In other countries, an inter-agency council may represent various state-run services.[9]
Researchers found that local government can play a positive role in expanding the range of services and assisting with or helping to secure funding for services.[10]