Most homeless people in Ukraine are men, according to a study
9 July 19:16
Men make up the majority of the homeless population in Ukraine (69%), while women account for 31%; with the largest age group being those aged 41–59 (46%), followed by those over 60 (39%) and those under 40 (14%), according to the results of a study conducted by the “Depol Ukraine” Charitable Foundation in collaboration with the “Rating” sociological group and the Institute of Demography, presented at the conference on overcoming the homelessness crisis in Ukraine, “The Right to a Dignified Life,” held in Kyiv on Thursday, July 9. This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to “Interfax-Ukraine.”
The largest groups among the vulnerable respondents are internally displaced persons (40%), people with disabilities (33%), and some elderly individuals (28%). Former prisoners accounted for 10%, veterans for 6%, people with mental health disorders for 5%, former orphanage residents (orphans) for 4%, and foreigners or stateless persons for 2%.
The study’s findings note that the survey was conducted in shelters/centers and near street meal distribution sites; therefore, the results regarding overnight accommodation may not reflect the actual situation. At the same time, the breakdowns by gender, age, and other characteristics reveal certain trends in the choice of overnight sleeping locations among different categories of homeless people.
Respondents also indicated that shelters were the primary place where homeless people spent the night. Nine percent of homeless people slept outdoors, and 6% slept in non-residential spaces (garages, basements, abandoned buildings), and these were former prisoners. Men were significantly more likely to report spending the night in shelters (67%), while women were more likely to use them (42%). Women were more likely than men to report spending the night with friends or relatives (31% versus 13%).
The vast majority of homeless people have been in this situation for more than 2 years (63%). Long-term homelessness (more than 2 years) is most common among people with disabilities (76%) and those over 60 years of age (67%).
For 46% of respondents, the main reason for losing their permanent residence was military conflict or occupation; among internally displaced persons, 84% cited this factor. Homeless respondents cited family conflict and relationship breakdown as the second most common reason for losing their homes (22%), and real estate fraud as the third (12%).
More than half of the homeless people surveyed (54%) need temporary shelter (a shelter, a room in a hostel, etc.), while 40% reported that they already have a place to live. The situation is most critical among the groups with the least social support: former prisoners (76%), people with no one to rely on (64%), people with disabilities (59%), and IDPs (57%).
Most homeless people (58%) are willing to receive permanent social housing provided they meet the conditions for paying rent and fulfilling certain obligations (ability to work, treatment for substance use disorders, and monitoring by social services). Former prisoners (84%), people with disabilities (64%), and IDPs (63%) demonstrate the highest level of willingness to meet these conditions in exchange for housing.
Most respondents (62%) do not maintain positive contact with other relatives, and 59% have no one to turn to in a crisis. Homeless respondents most often turn to friends or acquaintances (29%) and children (26%). Slightly fewer mention social service workers (18%), parents (15%), and siblings (14%).
Most respondents (58%) view their future as generally optimistic. The greatest optimism is shown by IDPs (64%), respondents who are employed (64%), those who have a partner (64%), and respondents who have someone to rely on (72%).
During the survey, conducted April 1–30, 1,090 respondents aged 18 and older who visited facilities for the homeless (service centers and
