Prospective approach to the situation of homeless people in the city of Malaga

The Chair of Social Inclusion of the University of Malaga has opened a line of research focused on the study and analysis of problems of access to housing and homelessness. Under this commitment, during the year 2024 a study of "Prospective approach to the situation of homeless people in the city of Malaga" will be carried out, arising not only from the research concern of the Chair, but also from the demand of social entities that work in the city with this group. As a result, the research presented in this report is the result of collaborative work between the University of Malaga and the Malaga City Council together with the social entities that make up the Development Group for homeless people, which has meant a real practice of participation and transfer from academia to Malaga civil society, with the favorable report from the University's Ethics Commission. Without the contributions and participation of professionals who are on the street in this reality, this work could not have been developed.

In general, the results presented below reflect the need to continue to delve deeper into the study of the situation and needs of homeless people: “knowing in order to act” is an essential element both for obtaining positive benefits in social intervention and for improving the living conditions of the people with whom we work. In line with this, this research is aligned with the objectives formulated in the current strategies approved for intervention with homeless people, both by the Spanish state and by the autonomous community of Andalusia.

The path begun with this research opens a commitment to continuity for the study and analysis of the reality of homeless people, a complex and changing reality that requires updated knowledge generated from the collaboration between all the actors involved in its approach and protection.

We would like to extend our general thanks to all the people participating in this work. In a special way to those who offered us their time and collaboration by answering a broad questionnaire, with questions that possibly had already been asked before, but that they wanted to share again with the interest of resolving their situation. The trust that these people have shown in us becomes our responsibility to make their responses effective solutions to the situation of the homeless.