Skip to main content

Mothers Who Experience Homelessness

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Women’s Homelessness in Europe

Abstract

In Chapter 8, van den Drie et al. examine family homelessness in Europe, with particular attention to women who are mothers and in living situations of homelessness, either with or without their children in their care. The authors start by providing an overview of family homelessness in Europe, highlighting the diversity of family forms and the extent to which families headed by a single mother are represented within populations of homeless families. This is followed by a discussion of the explanations or causes of family homelessness that have come to prominence in several European countries, particularly in recent years. The focus then shifts to the topic of homelessness and motherhood, including a discussion of the challenges associated with parenting in the context of homelessness. Lastly, the chapter provides an overview of some of the dominant characteristics of service provision for homeless mothers in Europe; conclusions are drawn and possible directions for future research are discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

eBook
USD 16.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 99.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 139.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Altena, A., Jonker, I., & Wolf, J. (2009). Profielen van meiden en moeders in de residentiele opvang [Research on girls and mothers in residential shelters]. Nijmegen, the Netherlands: Impuls—Research Center for Social Care, Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center.

    Google Scholar 

  • Anderson, I., & Christian, J. (2003). Causes of homelessness in the UK: A dynamic analysis. Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology, 13(2), 105–118.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Anderson, K. M., Renner, L. M., & Danis, F. S. (2012). Recovery: Resilience and growth in the aftermath of domestic violence. Violence Against Women, 18(11), 1279–1299.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Atkinson, A. B., & Marlier, E. (2010). Income and living conditions in Europe. Luxembourg: Eurostat.

    Google Scholar 

  • Averitt, S. S. (2003). “Homelessness is not a choice!” The plight of homeless women with preschool children living in temporary shelters. Journal of Family Nursing, 9(1), 79–100.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baptista, I. (2010). Women and homelessness. In E. O’Sullivan, V. Busch-Geertsema, D. Quilgars, & N. Pleace (Eds.), Homelessness research in Europe (pp. 163–185). Brussels: FEANTSA.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barrow, S. M., & Laborde, N. D. (2008). Invisible mothers: Parenting by homeless separated from their children. Gender Issues, 25(3), 157–172.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bassuk, E. L., Buckner, J. C., Perloff, J. N., & Bassuk, S. S. (1998). Prevalence of mental health and substance use disorders among homeless and low-income housed mothers. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 155(11), 1561–1564.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bassuk, E. L., Buckner, J. C., Weinreb, L. F., Browne, A., Bassuk, S. S., Dawson, R., et al. (1997). Homelessness in female-headed families: Childhood and adult risk and protective factors. American Journal of Public Health, 87(2), 241–248.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bassuk, E. L., Weinreb, L. F., Buckner, J. C., Browne, A., Salomon, A., & Bassuk, S. S. (1996). The characteristics and needs of sheltered homeless and low-income housed mothers. JAMA, 276(8), 640–646.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bernard, N. (2010). The gender of housing deprivation in Belgium. Homeless in Europe, Spring, 24–25.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bowpitt, G., Dwyer, P., Sundin, E., & Weinstein, M. (2011). Comparing men’s and women’s experiences of multiple exclusion homelessness. Social Policy and Society, 10(4), 537–546.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brady, D., & Burroway, R. (2012). Targeting, universalism and single mother poverty: A multi-level analysis across 18 affluent democracies. Demography, 49(2), 719–746.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brilleslijper-Kater, S., Beijersbergen, M., Asmoredjo, J., Jansen, C., & Wolf, J. (2010). Meer dan bed, bad, broodje pindakaas. Profiel, gezondheid, welzijn en begeleiding van kinderen in de vrouwenopvang en de maatschappelijke opvang [More than a bed, bath and a peanut butter sandwich: Characteristics, health, well-being and care for children staying with their parent(s) in shelters for homeless people or female victims of domestic violence]. Amsterdam: Uitgeverij SWP.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cameron, A., Abrahams, H., Morgan, K., Williamson, E., & Henry, L. (2016). From pillar to post: Homeless women’s experiences of social care. Health and Social Care in the Community, 24(3), 345–352.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Coog-Craig, P., & Koehly, L. (2011). Stability in the social support network of homeless families in shelter: Findings from a study of families in a faith-based shelter program. Journal of Family Social Work, 14(3), 191–207.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Culhane, D. P., Metraux, S., Park, J. M., Schretzman, M., & Valete, J. (2007). Testing a typology of family homelessness based on patterns of public shelter utilization in four U.S. jurisdictions: Implications for policy and program planning. Housing Policy Debate, 18(1), 1–28.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • David, D. H., Gelberg, L., & Suchman, N. E. (2012). Implications of homelessness for parenting young children: A preliminary review from a developmental attachment perspective. Infant Mental Health Journal, 33(1), 1–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • De Boyser, K., Linchet, S., Van Dijck, L., Casman, M., Dierckx, D., & Vranken, J. (2010). Onderzoek naar de OCMW-hulpverlening aan dak- en thuislozen [Study on PCSW assistance to homeless people]. Antwerp, Belgium: University of Antwerp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Department for Communities and Local Government. (2015a). Statutory homelessness in England: January to March 2015. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/statutory-homelessness-in-england-january-to-march-2015

  • Department for Communities and Local Government. (2015b). Statutory homelessness: April to June Quarter 2015 England. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/463017/201506_Statutory_Homelessness.pdf

  • Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. (2016). Homelessness Report February 2016. Retrieved from http://www.environ.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/homeless_report_-_february_2016_0.pdf

  • Dublin Region Homeless Executive. (2016a). Families who are homeless, Dublin region, February (week of 22nd–28th) 2016. Dublin: Dublin Region Homeless Executive. Retrieved from http://www.homelessdublin.ie/homeless-families

  • Dublin Region Homeless Executive. (2016b). Families who are homeless, Dublin Region, April (week of 18th–24th) 2016. Dublin: Dublin Region Homeless Executive. Retrieved from http://www.homelessdublin.ie/homeless-families

  • Dyb, E., & Johannassen, K. (2013). Homelessness in Norway 2012—A survey. NIBR-report 2013:5. Norwegian Institute for Urban and Regional Research. Retrieved from http://biblioteket.husbanken.no/arkiv/dok/Sum/BostedsloseNorge2012_eng.pdf

  • Edgar, B., & Doherty, J. (2001). Women and homelessness in Europe: Pathways, services and experiences. Bristol: Policy Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Edgar, B., Doherty, J., & Meert, H. (Eds.). (2004). Immigration and homelessness in Europe. Bristol: Policy Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Enders-Dragässer, U. (2010). Women and homelessness in Germany. Homeless in Europe, Spring, 12–14.

    Google Scholar 

  • FEANTSA. (2007). Child homelessness in Europe—An overview of emerging trends. Retrieved from http://www.feantsa.org

  • Fitzpatrick, S., & Christian, J. (2006). Comparing homelessness research in the US and Britain. European Journal of Housing Policy, 6(3), 313–333.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fitzpatrick, S., & Pleace, N. (2012). The statutory homelessness system in England: A fair and effective rights-based model? Housing Studies, 27(2), 232–251.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fitzpatrick, S., Quilgars, D., & Pleace, N. (Eds.). (2009). Homelessness in the UK: Problems and solutions. Coventry: Chartered Institute of Housing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gerull, S., & Wolf-Ostermann, K. (Eds.). (2012). Unsichtbar und ungesehen. Wohnungslose Frauen mit minderjährigen Kindern in Berlin [Invisible and unseen: Homeless women with minor children in Berlin]. Berlin, Milow, Strasburg: Schibri Verlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gornick, J. C., & Jäntti, M. (2009). Child poverty in upper-income countries: Lessons from the Luxembourg income study. In S. Kamerman & A. Ben-Ariel (Eds.), From child welfare to child wellbeing: An international perspective on knowledge in the service of policy making (pp. 339–368). New York: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gould, T. E., & Williams, A. R. (2010). Family homelessness: An investigation of structural effects. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 20(2), 170–192.

    Google Scholar 

  • Haahtela, R. (2014). Homeless women’s interpretations of women-specific social work among the homeless people. Nordic Social Work Research, 4(1), 5–21.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Halpenny, A. M., Keogh, A. F., & Gilligan, R. (2002). A place for children? Children in families living in emergecy accommodation: The perspectives of children, parents and professionals. Dublin: Homeless Agency.

    Google Scholar 

  • Halpenny, A. M., Greene, S., Hogan, D., Smith, M., & McGee, H. (2001). Children of homeless mothers: The daily life experiences and well-being of children in homeless families. Dublin: The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and The Children’s Research Centre, Trinity College Dublin.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hinton, T. (1998). Forgotten mothers. meeting the needs of homeless women who have lost their children. London: Health Action for Homeless People.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hutchinson, S., Page, A., & Sample, E. (2014). Rebuilding shattered lives. London: St Mungos.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones, A. (1999). Out of sight, out of mind? The experiences of homeless women. London: CRISIS.

    Google Scholar 

  • King, K. E., Ross, L. E., Bruno, T. L., & Erickson, P. G. (2009). Identity work among street-involved young mothers. Journal of Youth Studies, 12(2), 139–149.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lavesser, P. D., Smith, E. M., & Bradford, S. (1997). Characteristics of homeless women with dependent children. Journal of Prevention & Intervention in the Community, 15(2), 37–52.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Letiecq, B. L., Anderson, E. A., & Koblinsky, S. A. (1998). Social support of homeless and housed mothers: A comparison of temporary and permanent housing arrangements. Family Relations, 47(4), 415–421.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maldonado, L. C., & Nieuwenhuis, R. (2015). Family policies and single parent poverty in 18 OECD countries, 1978–2008. Community, Work & Family, 18(4), 395–415.

    Google Scholar 

  • Martins, A. (2010). Gender and homelessness: Homeless women in Lisbon. Homeless in Europe, Spring, 6–8.

    Google Scholar 

  • May, J., Cloke, P., & Johnsen, S. (2007). Alternative cartographies of homelessness: Rendering visible British women’s experiences of ‘visible’ homelessness. Gender, Place and Culture, 14(2), 121–140.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mayock, P., Parker, S., & Sheridan, S. (2015). Women, homelessness and service provision. Dublin: Simon Communities of Ireland.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mayock, P., & Sheridan, S. (2012a). Women’s ‘Journeys’ to homelessness: Key findings from a biographical study of homeless women in Ireland. Women and Homelessness in Ireland, Research Paper 1. Dublin: School of Social Work and Social Policy and Children’s Research Centre, Trinity College Dublin.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mayock, P., & Sheridan, S. (2012b). Migrant women and homelessness: Key findings from a biographical study of homeless women in Ireland. Women and Homelessness in Ireland, Research Paper 2. Dublin: School of Social Work and Social Policy and Children’s Research Centre, Trinity College Dublin.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mayock, P., & Sheridan, S. (2013). ‘At home’ in prison? Women and the homelessness-incarceration nexus. Irish Probation Journal, 10, 118–140.

    Google Scholar 

  • Memmott, R. J., & Young, L. A. (1993). An encounter with homeless mothers and children: Gaining an awareness. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 14(4), 357–365.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mikolajczyk, M. (2016). Homelessness and homeless motherhood in Poland. Reasons, essence, ways of helping on the basis of research. Retrieved September 10, 2015, from (powerpoint presentation). https://www.bucressources.org/sites/default/files/assets/telechargement/homelessness_and_homeless_motherhood_in_poland.pdf

  • Moss, K., & Singh, P. (2015). Women rough sleepers in Europe: Homelessness and victims of domestic abuse. Briston: Policy Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • National Alliance to End Homelessness. (2006). Promising strategies to end family homelessness. Washington, DC: National Alliance to End Homelessness and Freddie Mac.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nordfeldt, M. (2012). A dynamic perspective on homelessness: Homeless families in Stockholm. Housing Studies, 6(1), 105–123.

    Google Scholar 

  • Paquette, K., & Bassuk, E. (2009). Parenting and homelessness: Overview and introduction to the special section. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 79(3), 292–298.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pennington, J., & Banks, C. (2015). ‘This is no place for a child’: The experiences of homeless families in emergency accommodation. London: Shelter.

    Google Scholar 

  • Planije, M., Tuynman, M., & Hulsbosch, L. (2014). Monitor Stedelijk Kompas 2013. Plan van Aanpak Maatschappelijke Opvang in 39 Centrumgemeenten [Municipal compass monitor 2013. Strategy plan for social relief in 39 municipalities]. Utrecht, the Netherlands: Trimbos Institute.

    Google Scholar 

  • Planije, M, & Tuynman, M. (2015). Gezinnen in de maatschappelijk opvang. Opvang en ondersteuning aan dakloze gezinnen [Families in shelters: Housing and supporting homeless families]. Utrecht, the Netherlands: Trimbos Institute.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pleace, N. (2010). Immigration and homelessness. In E. O’Sullivan, V. Busch-Geertsema, D. Quilgars, & N. Pleace (Eds.), Homelessness research in Europe (pp. 143–162). Brussels: FEANTSA.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pleace, N., Fitzpatrick, S., Johnsen, S., Quilgars, D., & Sanderson, D. (2008). Statutory homelessness in England: The experience of families and 16–17 year olds. London: Department for Communities and Local Government.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reeve, K., Casey, R., & Goudie, R. (2006). Homeless women: Still being failed yet strivining to survive. London: CRISIS.

    Google Scholar 

  • Robson, K., & Berthoud, R. (2003). Teenage motherhood in Europe: A multi-country analysis of socio-economic outcomes. European Sociological Review, 19(5), 451–466.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rog, D. J., & Holupka, C. S. (1998). Reconnecting homeless individuals and families to the community. In L. B. Fosburg & D. L. Dennis (Eds.), Practical lessons: The 1998 Symposium on homelessness research. Delmar, NY: National Resource Center on Homelessness and Mental Illness.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ruttan, L., Laboucane-Benson, P., & Munro, B. (2012). Does a baby help young women transition out of homelessness? Motivation, coping, and parenting. Journal of Family Social Work, 15(1), 34–49.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Scappaticci, A. L., & Blay, S. L. (2009). Homeless teen mothers: Social and psychological aspects. Journal of Public Health, 17(1), 19–26.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schwartz, J. P., Chapman, S., Cote González, L., & Lindley, L. D. (2010). Addressing the problem of women and homelessness. Homeless in Europe, Spring, 29–31.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith, M., McGee, H. M., Shannon, W., & Holohan T. (2001). One hundred homeless women. Health status and health service use of homeless women and their children in Dublin. Dublin: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland & Children's Research Centre, Trinity College.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stockholms stad. (2011). Rapport om barnfamiljer i Stockholms stad som saknar stadigvarande bostad [Report on families in the city of Stockholm without permanent housing]. Stockholm: Stockholms stad, Socialtjänstoch arbetsmarknadsförvaltningen, tjänsteutlåtande.

    Google Scholar 

  • Szoboszlai, K. (2010). Homeless women in Hungary. Homeless in Europe, Spring, 17–20.

    Google Scholar 

  • Swick, K. J., Williams, R., & Fields, E. (2014). Parenting while being homeless. Early Childhood Education Journal, 42(6), 397–403.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thiery, N. (2008). L’hébergement de femmes accompagnees d’enfants en CHRS: quelle incidence sur l’identite parentale ? [Accommodating women and children in CHRS: What impact on parental identity?]. Sociétés et Jeunesses en Difficulté 5, Spring. Retrieved February 27, 2016, from http://sejed.revues.org/index2992.html

  • Tischler, V., Karim, K., Gregory, P., & Vostanis, P. (2004). A family support service for homeless children and parents: Users’ perspectives and characteristics. Health and Social Care in the Community, 12(4), 327–335.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tischler, V., Rademeyer, A., & Vostanis, P. (2007). Mothers experiencing homelessness: Mental health, support and social care needs. Health and Social Care in the Community, 15(3), 246–253.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tuynman, M., Planije, M., Hulsbosch, L., & Place, C. (2013). Monitor Stedelijk Kompas 2012. Plan van Aanpak Maatschappelijke Opvang in 39 Centrumgemeenten [Municipal compass monitor 2012. Strategy plan for social relief in 39 municipalities]. Utrecht, The Netherlands: Trimbos Institute.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vandentorren, S., Le Méner, E., Oppenchaim, N., Arnaud, A., Jangal, C., Caum, C., et al. (2016). Characteristics and health of homeless families: The ENFAMS survey in the Paris region, France 2013. The European Journal of Public Health, 26(1), 71–76.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Walsh, K., & Harvey, B. (2015). Family experiences of pathways into homelessness: The families’ perspective. Dublin: Housing Agency.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wolf, J., Jonker, I. S. N., Meertens, V., & te Pas, S. (2006). Maat en baat van de vrouwenopvang. Onderzoek naar vraag en aanbod [Quality of and benefits from women’s shelters in the Netherlands. Research into women’s needs for care and provision of services]. Amsterdam: Uitgeverij SWP.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zierler, A., Martinsson, S., & Weiß, T. (2013). Accommodating homeless families in the private rented housing sector: Experiences from a supported housing project in Vienna. European Journal of Homelessness, 7(1), 117–134.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zugazaga, C. (2008). Understanding social support of the homeless: A comparison of single men, single women, and women with children. Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Social Services, 89(3), 447–455.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Copyright information

© 2016 The Author(s)

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

van den Dries, L., Mayock, P., Gerull, S., van Loenen, T., van Hulst, B., Wolf, J. (2016). Mothers Who Experience Homelessness. In: Mayock, P., Bretherton, J. (eds) Women’s Homelessness in Europe. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-54516-9_8

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-54516-9_8

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-137-54515-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-137-54516-9

  • eBook Packages: Social SciencesSocial Sciences (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics