Access to computers, to mobile phones, and to data connectivity has opened new avenues of interaction and created expectations about the flattening of society brought about by these new modes of production. These technologies have enabled us to recognize many forms of community---from close knit social groups to individuals who merely co-habit public spaces---and to support interaction with each other in novel ways. The notion that modern digital technology holds promises of democratization by expanding access to information and broadening modes of knowledge production often fails to acknowledge that these benefits rely upon devices and infrastructure whose availability reflect socioeconomic contours; that the technologies that enable information access can also reinforce rather than obviate marginality due to barriers to access and suitability. This assessment points to opportunities for better understanding and better designing technologies for the marginalized or dispossessed. The research presented in this dissertation discusses the findings from empirical, theoretical, and design based investigations of technology use with the urban homeless. The empirical work provides a foundation for understanding current technology practices among the homeless and their care providers. The theoretical investigation develops Deweyan publics as a novel frame for participatory design. The design-based investigation presents findings from the design and deployment of the Community Resource Messenger at a shelter for homeless mothers. The results of this research shed light on impact of social computing platforms on social service provision and on the ways the staff and residents used the Community Resource Messenger as a resource for identifying common issues and taking action to contend with those issues.

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This thesis discusses the issues that are prioritized in policy documents, and the concerns which appear in newspaper stories, concerning housing issues in Calgary, Alberta. It holds that certain, ‘voices’ are accounted for and accommodated over other, more vulnerable, ‘voices’ in the policy arena. The ways in which these voices are constructed, and how particular agents, subjects, objects, and ‘truths’ are formed, all result from particular uses of language. The thesis maintains that those who have the most to gain from supportive housing policies are often excluded from the process of developing, or commenting on, policy altogether. It also suggests that their discursive construction as objects of policy, as moral examples, or as constituent elements of an “issue,” has implications both for actions undertaken in relation to them by governments and other agencies, and for their own ability to act effectively to articulate and to address their own concerns. / ix, 311 leaves ; 28 cm. --

Thesis (M.A.)--Catholic Theology Union at Chicago, 2004. / Includes abstract. "December 2004." Includes bibliographical references (leaves 72-73).

Thesis (M.A.)--Catholic Theology Union at Chicago, 2004. / Includes abstract. "December 2004." Includes bibliographical references (leaves 72-73).

Considerando o aumento de pessoas idosas em situação de rua, a Prefeitura do município de São Paulo inaugurou, nos últimos anos, diversos Centros de Acolhida especialmente destinados a esse grupo, com o objetivo de acolher e garantir proteção integral a esses indivíduos. Essa população é bastante heterogênea, e suas demandas são diversificadas, incluindo orientação jurídica e defesa de direitos. O presente estudo exploratório, qualitativo e quantitativo teve como objetivo geral investigar a existência de estratégias de gestão em centros de acolhida para idosos em situação de rua para a promoção do acesso à justiça de seus usuários. A pesquisa foi executada através de entrevistas não diretivas, com amostra por conveniência de 47 residentes e quatro gestores ou membros da equipe de quatro Centros de Acolhidas Especiais para Idosos no município de São Paulo. Observou-se que apesar de uma parcela dos idosos afirmar possuir ações judiciais em andamento, e de grande parte relatar necessidade de atendimento jurídico, o acesso à informação não ocorre de forma suficiente, pois muitos desconhecem as possibilidades de atendimento gratuito. Os profissionais dos Centros de Acolhida relatam poucas estratégias de promoção de acesso à justiça, atuando mais de forma passiva, a depender da iniciativa dos próprios usuários. As poucas estratégias parecem restritas à micro gestão de casos, faltando estratégias de meso e macro gestão para incremento da educação em direitos. Nos sistemas de informação e monitoramento dos serviços, há campos para a inserção de dados sobre questões jurídicas. Porém, é preciso capacitar e conscientizar os profissionais acerca da importância de preenchimento detalhado dessas informações / Considering the increase of homeless elderly, the city hall of São Paulo has created many Special Elderly Homeless Shelters, in order to accommodate and ensure full protection to these individuals. This population is very heterogeneous, and its demands are diversified, including legal guidance and advocacy. The present exploratory, qualitative and quantitative study aimed to investigate the existence of management strategies in shelters for the elderly in the street to promote access to justice for their users. The survey was implemented through non-directive interviews with a convenience sample of 47 residents and four managers or members of the equip of four Special Elderly Homeless Shelters in São Paulo. It was observed that although a portion of the elderly claim to have lawsuits in progress, and largely report the need for legal assistance, access to information does not occur in a sufficient way, since many are unaware of the possibilities of free care. The professionals of the Special Elderly Homeless Shelters report few strategies to promote access to justice, acting more passively, depending on the initiative of the users themselves. The few strategies seem restricted to micro case management, lacking meso and macro management strategies to increase rights education. In the systems of information and monitoring of the services, there are fields for the insertion of data on legal questions. However, professionals must be trained and made aware of the importance of completing this information in detail

The present study assessed the relationship between mentally ill homeless and their companion pets and questioned if the pets acted as a barrier for them to receive shelter and other services. The study also sought to find if pets acted as a communication tool between this population and society. themselves because they are mentally vulnerable and victims of a mental disorder.

This thesis approaches the question of homelessness in the Czech Republic, focusing specifically on homeless people with dogs who together form an alternative family unit. The purpose of this thesis is to map and present comprehensively viewed information and specifics relating to the group. The thesis aims to inspire the reader to ponder on the discussed issue, that is to be aware that this family unit requires to be approached as a whole, and not as two separate components - a homeless person and a dog. The first part of the thesis defines the theoretical aspect of the question in discussion, based primarily on academic literature sources, but also on sources from the internet which reflect on the focus of the research. Then follows a practical part where a questionnaire is conducted with homeless people with dogs, where the main research question was what the obstacles are preventing this group from living a fulfilling life. Interviews were also conducted with selected people who have been working with homeless people with dogs for a long time. Using both of these research tools, an overall result was achieved. During the mapping of the current situation, the semi-constructed interview method was applied. The research sample was composed of seven homeless people with dogs, completed by one...

This study explores the impact of homelessness on the identity formation of LGBTQ+ youth of color. This group of people is overrepresented within the unhoused community, and unfortunately, under-studied, especially within the qualitative data sector. A literature review found primary themes of identity formation, intersectionality, and discrimination and stigma. In addition to exploring the impact of housing instability on the identity formation of LGBTQ+ youth of color, this study emphasizes the significance of intersectionality in understanding their experiences. By noting the overlap of multiple marginalized identities such as race, sexual orientation, and gender identity, this research illuminates the unique challenges faced by individuals at the nexus of these identities. Based on a survey of the existing literature, an exploratory interview, and a quantitative data analysis, this study aims to shed light on the experiences of those who have struggled with housing instability, and who also identify as LGBTQ+ people of color within the age range of 18-25. Findings advocate for comprehensive support systems to empower and uplift these marginalized individuals, addressing systemic disparities and promoting social equity.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / By definition, homelessness refers to general understanding of people without a home or a roof over their heads. As consequences of a number of factors, homelessness has become a serious problem especially in cities throughout the United States. Homeless people are usually most visible on the streets and in settings like shelters due to the fact that their presences and activities in public spaces are considered illegal or at least “unwanted” by city officials and by members of the public. In response to this issue, activists throughout the country have worked tiresly on behalf of homeless people to demand policy changes, an effort that resulted in the passage of the homeless bill of rights in three states, namely Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Illinois. As I discovered through my fieldwork, in Indiana, the homeless, themselves, are currently lobbying for passage of a similar measure. Locating my fieldwork on homelessness in Indianapolis in two sites, the Indianapolis Marion County Public Library (the Central Library) and the IUPUI Library, I examine the use of library buildings as alternative temporary shelters and spaces where the homeless can organize for political change. As an Indonesian ethnographer, I utilized an ethnographic approach, which helped me to reveal “Western values” and “American culture” as they play out in the context of homelessness. In this thesis, I show that there is a multi-sited configuration made up of issues, agents, institutions, and policy processes that converge in the context of the use of library buildings by the homeless. Finally, I conclude that public libraries and university libraries as well can play a more important role beyond their original functions by undertaking tangible actions, efforts, engagements, and interventions to act as allies to the homeless, who are among their most steadfast constituencies. By utilizing public university library facilities, the homeless are also finding their voices to call for justice, for better treatment, and for policies that can help ameliorate the hardship and disadvantages of homelessness.