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Aim <p>In South Africa, homelessness is still a complex problem impacted by a number of social, political, and economic variables. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic caused disruptions and impacted people all around the world, particularly vulnerable groups like the homeless, who ought to have received care during the epidemic. During the pandemic, the homeless received much-needed temporary shelters. The purpose of this study was to find out how shelter managers felt about working with homeless people during the COVID-19 outbreak.</p> Method <p>This qualitative study purposively sampled 15 homeless shelter managers, data was collected face-to-face using a semi-structured interview guide and analysed thematically.</p> Results <p>Findings revealed four main themes: ‘causes of homelessness, ‘’current support structures’, challenges in shelters during COVID-19’ and ‘benefits of shelters’.</p> Conclusion <p>Addressing homelessness requires a comprehensive approach that addresses its root causes while providing immediate support and services to those in need. Furthermore, understanding the causes of and responses of shelter managers to the pandemic is vital to informing the activities undertaken by homeless service providers during the pandemic and will help prepare for future disasters and pandemics. Collaborative efforts involving government agencies, non-profit organizations (NPOs), community stakeholders, and experienced individuals are essential to develop sustainable solutions and create inclusive communities where everyone has access to safe and stable shelter and housing.</p>

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Perceptions and experiences of shelter managers in working with the homeless persons during the COVID-19 pandemic

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年5月5日

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  • Emmison Muleya,
  • Constance Matshidiso Lelaka

摘要

Aim

In South Africa, homelessness is still a complex problem impacted by a number of social, political, and economic variables. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic caused disruptions and impacted people all around the world, particularly vulnerable groups like the homeless, who ought to have received care during the epidemic. During the pandemic, the homeless received much-needed temporary shelters. The purpose of this study was to find out how shelter managers felt about working with homeless people during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Method

This qualitative study purposively sampled 15 homeless shelter managers, data was collected face-to-face using a semi-structured interview guide and analysed thematically.

Results

Findings revealed four main themes: ‘causes of homelessness, ‘’current support structures’, challenges in shelters during COVID-19’ and ‘benefits of shelters’.

Conclusion

Addressing homelessness requires a comprehensive approach that addresses its root causes while providing immediate support and services to those in need. Furthermore, understanding the causes of and responses of shelter managers to the pandemic is vital to informing the activities undertaken by homeless service providers during the pandemic and will help prepare for future disasters and pandemics. Collaborative efforts involving government agencies, non-profit organizations (NPOs), community stakeholders, and experienced individuals are essential to develop sustainable solutions and create inclusive communities where everyone has access to safe and stable shelter and housing.