Background: In 2013, between 150 and 200 people per night in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg are estimated roofless. Abilities to respond to emergencies in the GDL are perceptibly decreased due to longer stays in emergency shelters. This study aimed to analyse the needs of long-term homeless (LTH) individuals and to put forward professional recommendations to improve support and care for homeless individuals.
Methods: A local, cross-sectional, qualitative study carried out between February and September 2013 in the GDL. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with homeless people living in Caritas housing facilities permanently over a period of 2 years or temporarily over a period of 3 years, as well as Caritas professionals and Luxembourgish psychiatrists. They mainly focused on the homeless person's life pathways, needs and expectations, and difficulties encountered.
Results: Twenty-two homeless persons, 13 professionals from Caritas and three Luxembourgish psychiatrists participated. Homeless persons' needs and expectations consist of the following: (i) seeking freedom and peacefulness, (ii) having their own space, being independent and (iii) living like everyone else. Professionals mainly complained about difficulties for supporting LTH persons and the lack of collaboration with Luxembourg stakeholders from social and psychiatric departments.
Conclusion: This study has found that the current approach is not appropriate for the management of LTHness in the country. This study recommends changes within the Caritas facilities and outside, on the basis of three concepts: (i) a decent home as an essential need, (ii) respect of freedom of choice and (iii) a housing-first model.
Keywords: health status disparities; homeless persons; housing; mental health; organization and administration; public policy.
© 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.