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Addressing Homelessness in Trinidad and Tobago  

Homelessness in Trinidad and Tobago
The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, an island country of the southeastern West Indies and the southernmost island in the Caribbean, houses a population of roughly 1.39 million people. Amongst this number, 20% are classified to be below the poverty line, with more than one-seventh of the population living in 313 informal settlements or slums. With median house prices currently standing at around $192,000 USD according to the Inter-American Development Bank, and average monthly incomes being approximately $1,600, the lack of affordable homes, coupled with extensive waiting lists for subsidized housing, means that low income earners are prevented from homeownership altogether. As a consequence, homelessness is a common issue many face, with at least 676 socially displaced across the country according to Donna Cox, Minister of Social Development and Family Services. 


This article will delve into the structural issues behind homelessness in Trinidad and Tobago, before moving onto the steps governments have taken to address, reduce and ultimately combat it moving forward. 

Barriers to Tackling Homelessness in Trinidad and Tobago

While Trinidad and Tobago recognizes the concept of homelessness, there does not seem to be a legal definition of it, nor a fixed criteria in law set out to determine eligibility for programs and services. Formally referred to as “street dwellers” in reference to “persons found sleeping or preparing to sleep on the sidewalk and pavements of streets or on the ground of open plots of land adjoining a street,” homeless individuals are seemingly regarded as public nuisances, often being criminalized rather than offered relief and rehabilitation. 

This was seen in action when C Melville of Trinidad and Tobago Newsday observed a teenager living in a bus shed within the Tacarigua area in June 2024. Upon calling the Ministry of Social Development for aid, she was unable to reach anybody, only coming to an automated response. No one provided an immediate solution to get the individual off the street, with suggestions that police should deal with the matter instead. 

With the varying physical and mental health disorders that come both as a cause and result of homelessness, many urge for a more multidisciplinary approach that addresses the complexities of the socially displaced, ensuring that sufficient support is provided. This goes beyond basic material relief such as providing new clothes and meals for the homeless. Rather, there is encouragement to provide health check-ups and counseling alongside more basic efforts to better social well-being and ensure a more well rounded rehabilitation so that individuals can be reintegrated into society again. 

Steps Moving Forward

According to the Socially Displaced Persons Act 2000, government services did not have the legislative power to remove individuals off the street, yet Parliament is now working on laws that will grant ministries and the police the legal backing to involuntarily remove the socially displaced. Currently, the approach towards dealing with the homeless in Trinidad and Tobago remains inhumane, with people simply reporting cases to police, and so it is common for individuals that are offered help to prefer to stay on the streets. 

This proposed legislation, alongside other plans for state of the art facilities that will provide accommodation for street dwellers while they undergo individualized rehabilitation, is set to more directly address the social issue at hand. With Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) Advisor Terrance Dick claiming that “we tried to remove people already and the court said we were going about it the wrong way,” these steps forward will deal with homelessness more intentionally. 

There are greater efforts that are working towards addressing homelessness as well, with more organizations emerging to aid community development and expand local operations for affordable housing. For instance, nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity provide services from home construction to financial assistance, having served 355 families with direct housing solutions so far, and more than 1,800 people with credit management and construction training. The organization also focuses on providing education for high risk communities so that they are equipped with the skills needed for a sustainable future, ensuring wider community development. 

Looking Ahead

Homelessness is becoming an increasing concern for the country due to the state’s affordable housing deficit and its low median incomes, yet governments are working towards offering the displaced more targeted solutions such as self assessments and bespoke rehabilitation which will aid in their reintegration to society. Looking ahead, Trinidad and Tobago’s government must continue to tackle the homelessness crisis with a more comprehensive, structured and humane approach that will carefully address the complexities and nuances of the socially displaced. Greater collaboration is also hoped to be seen between the state and public and private organizations to drive bigger impact and changes. 

– Sophie Young

Sophie is based in Manchester, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Project Hawaii Inc.: Supporting Hawaii’s Homeless Population

Project Hawaii Inc.Project Hawaii Inc. is a volunteer-driven nonprofit that supports Hawaiian children and youths suffering from homelessness. Focusing on the three islands that make up Hawaii, it operates multiple programs to help feed, rehome and care for the 23,000 homeless children in the state. 

Homelessness In Hawaii

Hawaii’s number of homeless people jumped by more than 12% in 2023, with the state having the third-highest rate of homeless youth staying in unsheltered locations. Connie Mitchell, the executive director for the Institute of Human Services, said to Hawaii News Now, “Chronic homelessness is driven a lot by the fact people can live unsheltered here, number one, I think the other one is that we have a combination of very high rents here and a job market that doesn’t necessarily pay a living wage.” 

The minimum wage in Hawaii is $10.20 an hour. However, the wage needed for the average two-bedroom apartment is $25.88 per hour, more than double what most local Hawaiians earn. Combined with environmental factors like the recent Maui fires, more Hawaiian locals sleep on the streets. Indeed, the Maui fires in August of 2023 destroyed nearly 3000 structures and contributed to the already high homeless population. Project Hawaii Inc. relies on public donations and sponsorships to run its programs, which are all rooted in Hawaiian culture and aim to deliver the simple pleasures that homeless people often lack. 

Missions

Project Hawaii Inc. runs multiple programs for all children of all ages centering around the core values it holds: Aloha (providing love, compassion and respect to every child), Kuleana (embracing the responsibility to empower and uplift homeless children), ‘Ohana (creating a supporting community), Imua (the commitment to moving forward and improving), Malama (stewardship and care for the community) and Lokahi (the unity and cooperation involved in bringing people together).

Project Hawaii’s programs are holistically designed to impact every aspect that homeless children need help with. With projects ranging from providing essential needs like shelter and food, encouraging the children to participate in sports and helping mothers bond with their children. 

Furthermore, the College Dormitory Rehab Project is a block of six rooms that can house up to 13 female college students. It provides centers that can teach skills like cooking, gardening and yoga, helping them build sustainable skills for their future. This project aims to help students who have experienced homelessness further their opportunities by supporting them through college. 

On top of that, the Healthy Hearts project encourages homeless children to engage in team sports like football, soccer, baseball and many more. The project started due to the lack of athletic shoes for homeless kids, excluding them from physical education and recess. Providing these shoes and encouraging the children to participate in sports can ensure a healthier lifestyle during their most critical developing years.

Finally, the Mommy and Me program focuses on the mothers impacted by homelessness in Hawaii, helping equip them with nurturing skills that help them connect and aid their baby’s development. The project helps assist struggling mothers and also aims to decrease the delays unsheltered babies often grow up with, helping their speech and motor skills develop for when they enter education. 

Summary

Project Hawaii Inc. empowers Hawaii’s homeless children and youth through culturally rooted programs that address immediate needs and foster long-term growth. Driven by volunteers and donor support, the organization creates meaningful change and brighter futures for the state’s most vulnerable populations.

– Caitlin Mulholland

Caitlin is based in Lymington, UK and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Yellow River Soup Kitchen: Transforming Lives in Xi’an

Yellow River Soup KitchenYellow River Soup Kitchen, also known as Yellow River Charity, is a nonprofit organization based in Xi’an, China. It was founded by Tony Day in December 2005 after a homeless woman in Xi’an asked him for financial help. The woman inspired him to establish support for the city’s homeless community. With growing support from global donors, Yellow River Soup Kitchen had mobilized 13,700 volunteers by 2021 to complete 2,580 charity projects. Here is how the organization’s major initiatives have profoundly improved the lives of vulnerable people in Xi’an and nearby provinces.

The Founding of Yellow River Soup Kitchen

The woman remained on Day’s mind as he meditated for two hours that night. “I suddenly had a sense this was a much greater problem and being unable to find any (with very few) voluntary projects available in China. I had decided the night before that if I learned nothing from the old lady, I would start buying food,” he said to the Lancashire Evening Post. The following day, Day returned to St. Francis Cathedral on Wuxing Street, where he had met the woman. He asked Father Chen if he could distribute food to the homeless at the church.

That Sunday, he served 25 meals of baozi and soup. By 2015, a budget of more than $2,000 allowed him to provide food for 5,000 people. As of 2019, Yellow River Soup Kitchen has served around 200,000 meals, averaging 1,800 meals per month. The organization serves food every Monday, Wednesday and Friday night, even on Lunar New Year and Christmas, with additional volunteers delivering food to those who cannot attend.

The English Summer School Initiative

In the summer of 2006, Yellow River Soup Kitchen organized a group of foreign teachers to teach English in Li Quan, an impoverished mountain village two hours from Xi’an. There were three classrooms with a maximum capacity of 20 students. The organization utilized three teachers, each taught six hours per day. The programs lasted six weeks and accommodated 180 students.

Annual Christmas Party

The anniversary of Yellow River Soup Kitchen coincides with Christmas and to celebrate, the organization hosts an annual Christmas Party for people without homes at St. Francis Cathedral. A volunteer dresses up as Santa, distributing meat, dumplings, fruits and cakes. The celebration includes live music, dancing, karaoke and festive decorations. “At 9:30 p.m., when the party ended, all the homeless were back on the freezing streets of Xi’an with nothing but full bellies and warm memories,” Day says. In preparation for Christmas and New Year, the organization also gathers 45 people for showers and haircuts.

Looking Ahead

In 2020, Yellow River Soup Kitchen faced significant challenges due to COVID-19, as St. Francis Cathedral and many other venues where the organization hosted events were closed. However, despite these setbacks, the organization adapted by providing 14,047 face masks to people experiencing homelessness. The nonprofit organization continues to be vital, offering support to the vulnerable and providing a platform for people to participate in helping others.

– Jimmy Nguyen

Jimmy is based in Savannah, GA, USA and focuses on Good News, Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Addressing Homelessness in Tajikistan  

Homelessness in Tajikistan After the fall of the Soviet Union, Tajikistan became “one of the poorest countries” in the world. Wages shrunk and access to public services disappeared, forcing many to become independent and depend on their low income. According to Michal Kruzliak, the Development Manager of Habitat for Humanity, living standards worsened as internal wars and economic decline led to financial shortages, resulting in poor house maintenance. As a result, homelessness and Tajikistan has been a challenge. 

Additionally, civil wars affected the speed of housebuilding, leaving many stranded on the streets. For those who did have access to a home, warmth and comfort were usually absent as huge families had to live in small dwellings and human beings had no choice but to sit upon hard, cold brick and dirt. Even though the economy was beginning to improve, natural disasters like earthquakes quickly reversed the progress this country had made as they damaged more and more houses and left many homeless, according to Habitat for Humanity. As of 2023, 21.2% of the population in Tajikistan remains in poverty, which is almost 1.25 million people.

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that has helped countries worldwide including Tajikistan. Since 1999, this organization has been aiming to end homelessness in Tajikistan by building and repairing houses and assisting more than 7,800 families with finding a home.

Earthquakes have always been a constant problem in Tajikistan. The power of this natural disaster is so strong that it destroys the windows and doors of people’s homes, many of which still have not been fixed. With Habitat for Humanity’s help, many people were given loans to build safer buildings and receive training on how to make their structures more stable, allowing families to better withstand earthquakes and other harsh conditions, according to its Country Profile.

Momajon and Karim completely rebuilt their house with the help of Habitat for Humanity. Typically, housebuilding was an extremely long and complicated process: one would have to wait years before constructing another wall due to the rising prices and declining wages. However, these individuals successfully built their houses from scratch, sharing their newly prized possessions with the rest of their family members through low-interest loans from banks and insurance provided by Habitat Tajikistan. The help they received from the organization did not solely help the process of house building but also provided them with a comfortable life.

UNICEF

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is another organization that has helped tackle the health challenges in Tajikistan. Especially for small children, undernutrition has been a significant problem even to this day. According to UNICEF, “As many as 21 percent of children under five are stunted (have chronic malnutrition), including 6 percent who are severely stunted.”

To aid this issue, UNICEF has made investments in care facilities and hospitals, bringing them medicine, equipment and instructions on how to better help the Tajikistan community. Instead of death being the only option for families to face, the people of Tajikistan now have a form of hope to come to after many fall ill due to malnutrition. To further aid families with younger children and infants, this organization also promotes child care through maternal and child services such as increasing child feeding practices in hospitals and giving out more necessary items to household parents. Additionally, because of this organization’s help, 1.4 million children were able to improve on the status of their health, such as with diseases like polio.

Shelter for Life

Shelter for Life (SFL) is an international development organization that is working to provide humanitarian assistance to developing countries, especially through shared local involvement. Specifically in Tajikistan, there was many harsh weather conditions like flooding that hurt property security for many families, leading to a deterioration of many homes. To address the issue of homelessness in Tajikistan and the destruction caused by natural disasters, SFL created innumerable amounts of shelters and latrines and even created a school building as a form of shelter. Additionally, because of the low funding in Tajikistan, the quality of the houses are poor, allowing for a greater chance of destruction when natural disasters like earthquakes hit. Even though this organization cannot directly stop an earthquake, it can and did implement preparedness training to allow many to better recover from the trauma from earthquakes, allowing the effect of homelessness to take a lesser toll. 

There is Hope

As seen through the above organizations, much work has been done to address homelessness in Tajikistan. Though problems of malnutrition, health care, lack of shelter and more may continue, these organizations are making a significant difference.

– Linda Yoonseo Lee

Linda is based in Phoenix, AZ, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Confronting the Crisis: Tackling Homelessness in Panama 

Homelessness in PanamaThe housing crisis is a problem that is affecting many countries in the post-COVID-19 world. One of the many countries affected is the Central American nation of Panama. Panama is the southernmost country in Central America. Its location was of very high strategic value in the colonial days. This is why the Panama Canal was built. The canal helped create easier access from the Americas to Asia. The United States transferred the canal to Panama in 1999 as part of a 1977 treaty. The canal represents a major part of Panama’s economy, especially with the expansion to the canal completed in 2016. Despite a growing economy, homelessness in Panama is a major issue.

Poverty and Homelessness in Panama

In Panama, 22.1% of the population lived below the poverty line in 2016. Poverty mostly affects the Indigenous people of Panama, with more than half of the Indigenous population living below the poverty line.

Homelessness in Panama is a difficult issue to track. One of the biggest reasons is there are no official statistics on the exact homeless population. Homeless statistics can be hard to track due to how much the homeless population can fluctuate.

Despite Panama’s economic growth over the past 30 years, which resulted in a decreased poverty rates, poverty is still a problem in Panama. Wealth inequality is one of the biggest issues of the Panamanian economy. The Gini index is used to measure wealth inequality. The higher the number is the more inequality there is in the given country. Panama had a Gini index standing of 48.9%. For context the United States had a 39.8% rating.

The Tierra Prometida Community

Like many countries, Panama can sometimes treat homeless people poorly. This can unfortunately lead to unfair treatment of homeless people. In 2021, there was a community called the Tierra Prometida community, which was living behind the Nicolas Solano hospital. Hundreds of families called the informal settlement home until police violently evicted them. This event, along with rising prices of all goods, lead to protest marches in the country on October 27, 2021. 

The Protests

The protests had two major requests, public policies and dignified jobs. The government acted on the request for public policies. On May 4, 2023, it was announced that the Panamanian government would invest $25.7 million to invest in housing solutions that would benefit more than 1,000 Panamanian citizens. These housing solutions were split between the urbanization of Isla Colón, certification of lots and plan progreso, a plan for housing improvement. Beneficiaries of the urbanization of Isla Colón will be exempt from paying for their homes.

The homeless crisis has hit the hardest in Panama city. The increase of natural disasters in the city affects the homeless population. Panama city has been receiving an increased amount of money since 2018, but very little has gone toward resolving the homeless crisis.

Looking Ahead

In conclusion, Panama’s housing crisis is a complex and multifaceted issue that underscores the broader challenges of poverty and inequality within the nation. Despite the significant economic benefits from the Panama Canal and recent government initiatives aimed at improving housing conditions, homelessness remains a pressing concern, particularly in urban areas like Panama City. The issue of homelessness is made worse by the lack of reliable data and the social inequalities that persist. Addressing this issue requires sustained and comprehensive efforts from the government, civil society and international partners to ensure that economic growth translates into tangible improvements in the living conditions of all Panamanians. As Panama navigates the post-COVID-19 era, prioritizing equitable development and inclusive policies will be crucial in tackling homelessness in Panama. 

– Matthew Mendives

Matthew is based in Colonia, NJ, USA and focuses on World News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Addressing the Homeless Crisis in Slovakia

Homeless Crisis in SlovakiaThe picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Slovakia often belie the social issues simmering beneath its scenic veneer. The country is grappling with a homelessness problem that demands a compassionate, multifaceted response. This article addresses the homeless crisis in Slovakia in this in-depth exploration of the underpinnings of this societal challenge. Additionally, it provides information about the ongoing efforts to address homelessness.

Understanding the Homeless Crisis in Slovakia

While it is easy to dismiss homelessness as a problem limited to urban centers, the issue is pervasive across various regions of Slovakia. The causes have layers, from economic downturns and job loss to mental health issues and lack of affordable housing. The data is disheartening, with numbers showing an upward trajectory in homelessness, particularly in urban areas. For example, the 2022 population census for Slovakia recorded 71,076 people without homes versus the 23,483 homeless population recorded in the 2011 census.

Exposing the Challenges

Life on the streets is an unimaginable struggle. The lack of a stable home is just the tip of the iceberg for those experiencing homelessness in Slovakia. Affordable housing is scarce, and the domino effect includes limited health care provisions and the perpetual struggle to access social services. For example, according to World Habitat, the limited access to affordable housing in Slovakia is largely due to the fact that there is a shortage of rental properties. Since buying homes is more common than renting in this nation, those who cannot afford to purchase a property are left with limited affordable renting options.

Not to mention, the stigma attached to being homeless exacerbates the challenges of reintegrating into society. Life is incredibly challenging for those living without a stable home, and the men, women and children have access to limited resources.

Government and Community Initiatives

Fortunately, the response to this crisis has been a mix of official and grassroots efforts. The Slovakian government has implemented certain policies aiming to provide shelter and support services to people without housing. Alongside these, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community-led initiatives have sprung up to provide practical aid and reconnect people experiencing homelessness with society.

NGOs have led several campaigns to help bring awareness and improve the response to homelessness in Slovakia. For example, NGO volunteers have partnered with STOPA Slovensko to record the population consensus for Slovakia more accurately. A local campaign known as “We Are Not Invisible” also helped bring more awareness to the growing number of homeless individuals needing assistance housing.

Final Thoughts

Homelessness is not an intractable issue. Building a safety net for those who have fallen on hard times is possible with sustained effort. Addressing the homeless crisis in Slovakia has shown promising signs of a society willing to grapple with this crisis. The act of helping is not just about charity but also about justice and societal progress.

Brainstorming quality ideas can help this country, and others experiencing mass homelessness can help solve this issue more quickly. For example, they can build yurt communities for those without housing to live in. Yurts have a long lifespan and are relatively inexpensive shelters. Together, it is possible to create a home for all in Slovakia.

– Kelly Schoessling
Photo: Pexels

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Caritas: Tackling Homelessness in Mauritius

Homelessness in MauritiusIn many ways, the African island of Mauritius is the very picture of a tropical paradise, with blue seas, palm trees and white sandy beaches. The island also happens to boast one of the top Human Development Index scores in the African continent, with its poverty rate resting at 11% as of 2023, according to the World Bank’s projections, a 4% decrease since 2020. However, homelessness in Mauritius can often mean a life of poverty and hardship – leaving many of those affected marginalized and forgotten.

The Causes of Homelessness

In 2022 the National Social Inclusion Foundation (NSIF) conducted a study in partnership with numerous NGOs working against homelessness in Mauritius, which revealed many factors that either lead or drive people to the streets on the island. Although an exact figure for homelessness is not known, the NSIF surveyed a sample of 102 individuals to determine the common causes of homelessness. The results were as follows:

  • Family conflicts (37%)
  • Divorce/Separation (28%)
  • Drug addiction (25%)
  • Unemployment (25%)
  • Poverty (22%)
  • Alcoholism (22%)
  • Incarceration (12%)

A surprising 52% of respondents in this survey were employed and received a salary – many working as cleaners, street vendors, security guards or plumbers. Yet they still find themselves unable to afford the rent due to the high cost of living.

The study also concluded that many of those surveyed were not aware of the social assistance that was available to them, very few had actively looked for information or applied for assistance. However, many charities have been making great progress in changing this by reaching out and offering help to the Mauritian homeless, providing shelter, rehabilitation, financial support and counseling for those in need.

Caritas

Founded in 1965 as part of the wider Caritas Internationalis Confederation, Caritas Ile Maurice is the Mauritian branch of a Christian grassroots charity, with more than 1,000 volunteers on the island. Despite an initial focus on providing emergency relief following Mauritian independence in 1968, Caritas has made significant progress in reaching out to the marginalized and tackling homelessness in Mauritius in recent years.

There are a reported 152 “pockets of poverty” in Mauritius, within which approximately 12,800 families and 3,000 squatters reside. To tackle this issue, Caritas has launched multiple initiatives since 2001 to provide relief and assistance for those in need, helping both the homeless, and those at risk of becoming homeless. It has partnered with the private sector and multiple U.N. organizations and state institutions to deliver relief in a multitude of ways.

Housing and Shelters

The Fonds Logement Caritas: Caritas Housing Fund has helped more than 900 Mauritians cover their housing loans so that families can become homeowners without the threat of losing their homes. Thanks to this initiative, many families and children have gained or maintained a roof over their heads and a stable and safe place to live, and those who may once have been at risk of losing their homes, gain a more secure living situation.

Caritas also runs two Night Shelters, Abri de Nuit de Port Louis/Plaine Wilhems, where the homeless can “regain their human dignity” and attempt to return to society, by providing overnight accommodation, bathrooms, proper meals and psycho-social assistance/ The facilities here can significantly improve a resident’s chances in successfully returning to society – while offering much-needed refuge from the isolation and hardship of living on the streets.

As a charity, Caritas has provided vital services and assistance for the homeless of Mauritius, reaching more than 50,000 beneficiaries, according to its website.

Mauritius seems to be on the right path for development. As of 2011, 87% of the Mauritian population were homeowners. In the same year, the United States figure rested at 70%.

A Promising Future

Thanks to the collaboration of both the state and NGOs such as Caritas, homelessness in Mauritius has seen significant progress and those affected are gaining real chances at a promising future as more and more people gain housing security, and those who remain gain access to both shelter and assistance.

The deciding factor on whether this vital work continues to help the homeless rests on the continued efforts of these charities and the state institutions prioritizing the homelessness issue. The future seems optimistic, but may only remain so. At the same time, the charities and government are consistently prioritizing helping those suffering or at risk and are placing increased focus on the root of the problem by addressing common causes that lead or drive people to the streets.

– Rose Williams
Photo: Flickr

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How The Olympic Refuge Foundation is Helping Refugees

The Olympic Refuge Foundation
With a growing number of people across the world who are forced to leave their livelihoods and start a new life somewhere else, projects that increase confidence and well-being are a key part of minimizing the chances of poverty among refugees. The Olympic Refuge Foundation is using sport to encourage communication and teamwork, provide a regular routine and increase the self-confidence of refugees. 

4 Facts About Refugees

World Refugee Day, celebrated each year on June 20, aims to highlight the strength and courage of people who have had to flee their home country. In 2023, the main theme focused on hope, which is no better embodied than by the athletes dreaming big on the Olympic Refugee Team.

The Olympic Refuge Foundation

Since the 1990s, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have been developing sports programs in the camps and settlements refugees often find themselves in. People from many different countries, who speak multiple languages, have been able to unite through sport and find joy in a simple game of basketball. 

Since then, the sports projects have developed beyond the walls of the camps. In March 2016, the IOC announced the creation of the Olympic Refugee Team, and that summer at the Rio Olympics, 10 athletes were selected to represent the first-ever IOC Refugee Olympic Team.

At the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2021, 29 refugee athletes competed across 12 different sports. The increase in top-level athletes also reflects the expansion of sports programs around the world that are working to help refugees. In December 2017, the IOC created the Olympic Refuge Foundation with the aim of providing consistent support not only to high-level refugee athletes but to refugees across the world. The foundation now supports 12 programs in eight countries: Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Jordan, Kenya, Mexico, Rwanda, Turkey and Uganda and is looking to extend the project to Colombia and France. 

The sports projects in refugee camps provide safe and inclusive spaces for young people escaping violence, abuse, negligence and exploitation. Young people of different nationalities are able to communicate with each other through the common language of sport, making valuable friendships and building trust and confidence in themselves. The day-to-day activities contribute to the social cohesion and development of people who have been scarred by their past. Fighting the feeling of hopelessness and desolation — so common in camps — is key to their future growth and recovery. 

Terrains D’avenir

The IOC and Olympic Refuge Foundation are also keen to use the upcoming Olympics in Paris as a tool to encourage sport in local communities in France. With the support of the French Ministry of Sports and multiple other partners, a program – Terrains d’Avenir – has emerged to provide 7,000 young people who are displaced with access to sports by 2025. The program, which launched in June 2023, aims to support refugees in recovering from their experiences of trauma and to involve them in French society through sport. 

The project is open to any displaced young person, regardless of their administrative status or ability to speak French and will offer organized activities across a variety of sports. Starting a new life somewhere is never easy; learning a new language, adapting to new customs, finding a new job and integrating yourself into the local community take time and patience. However, if these steps can be achieved, the chances of poverty among refugees are far less likely. 

– Almaz Nerurkar
Photo: Flickr

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Unraveling Homelessness in Andorra: Challenges and Solutions

Homelessness in Andorra
Andorra, a small European nation nestled in the Pyrenees, lacks specific homelessness regulations but is committed to providing social housing and assistance to those in need. While homelessness regulations remain rare in the country, thanks in part to its robust service-based economy, which helps keep poverty levels low, non-governmental organizations such as Caritas Andorrana extend their support to non-resident homeless individuals, offering counseling, information dissemination and direct assistance. Additionally, the government has unveiled an extensive COVID-19 recovery plan, comprising more than 100 initiatives spanning social welfare, economic recovery and innovation.

Although 8% of Andorra’s population reportedly lives below the poverty line, it is essential to distinguish between poverty and homelessness. Severe material deprivation affects 5.7% of the population, but this does not equate to homelessness. Overall, while homelessness is not a significant issue in Andorra, some individuals may be at risk of homelessness or living in poverty.

Nonprofits Supporting the Homeless

Caritas Andorra, a prominent nonprofit organization in Andorra, stands at the forefront of assisting homeless individuals and families. Its comprehensive services encompass counseling, information dissemination and direct aid for those navigating challenging social situations. Additionally, the organization provides critical legal and therapeutic support to those in need. Caritas Andorrana strongly emphasizes the essential role of such nonprofit organizations in addressing homelessness in Andorra.

Local–International NGO Partnerships

Local groups in Andorra, including the commendable Caritas Andorra, play a crucial role in assisting disadvantaged populations, notably non-resident homeless individuals. Such partnerships bolster local capacity, enhance access to resources and effectively augment interventions.

Successful Collaborations

Andorra has effectively forged collaborations both within its borders and on the international stage. These collaborations encompass diverse sectors, such as innovation and sustainability. Entrepreneurship and innovation are significant focal points of Andorra’s economic development, evidenced by the recent launch of a sport-tech startup program. The Andorran Women’s Association actively works to combat domestic abuse. Additionally, collaborations with Endesa, a Spanish energy firm, have resulted in sustainability initiatives tailored to the region’s unique needs. Notably, the Spain & Andorra Climate Resilience Leadership Initiative engages Spanish and Andorran citizens in confronting the climate crisis through various initiatives. This collaborative effort not only promotes climate resilience and sustainability but also strengthens bilateral relations and fosters community engagement.

Factors Contributing to Success

Several factors have contributed to the success of various projects within Andorra. Collaboration involving government agencies, non-governmental organizations and international entities has played a pivotal role in the successful implementation of various initiatives. Moreover, innovation, often resulting from partnerships with international centers and entities, has enhanced the competitiveness and sustainability of Andorra’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Collaborative projects, including those with Endesa, have yielded sustainability initiatives attuned to local needs. Engaging the community in initiatives like the Spain & Andorra Climate Resilience Leadership Initiative promotes climate resilience and sustainability. These efforts collectively address various challenges, including homelessness, through collaborative endeavors.

Empathizing with Andorran Homeless

While specific homelessness empathy campaigns are scantily documented, Andorra’s various initiatives demonstrate empathy toward vulnerable populations. Caritas Andorra’s provision of primary care, psychiatric support, legal counsel and clothing to homeless non-residents showcases a commitment to helping those in need. The Andorran Women’s Association actively aids domestic abuse victims, addressing the needs of marginalized groups with empathy and compassion. Furthermore, Andorra’s status as one of the safest countries, marked by its efficient police force and low crime rate, indirectly fosters empathy and community engagement, promoting a secure environment for all residents.

Andorran Campaigns and Initiatives

Andorra’s focus extends beyond homelessness, encompassing sustainability, social welfare and community engagement. Endesa’s collaboration with local stakeholders in developing community-specific sustainability projects underscores Andorra’s commitment to environmentally responsible growth. Caritas Andorrana plays a pivotal role in promoting dignity, growth and social welfare among vulnerable populations. The Spain & Andorra Climate Resilience Leadership Initiative exemplifies community engagement in addressing changing weather patterns. These initiatives collectively promote social, economic and environmental well-being, although specific homelessness-focused measures are lacking.

Andorran Sustainability Initiatives

Andorra actively promotes sustainability and environmental protection. The Sustainable Andorra Centre, a government platform, is dedicated to environmental education and promoting sustainability principles. Comprehensive recycling plans have been implemented to minimize waste and improve sustainability. Moreover, Andorra’s participation in global sustainable development accords, including the Paris Agreement to combat changing weather patterns and the Convention on Biological Diversity, underscores its commitment to global sustainability standards. These initiatives engage the community in environmental awareness and foster sustainability.

Conclusion

Andorra’s collaborative efforts and empathetic initiatives promote inclusivity, sustainability and a compassionate society.

– Robert Gaziano
Photo: Flickr

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China’s Housing Paradox

Housing Paradox
Since August 2021, China’s housing market has been in steep decline, which could spell disaster given that real estate constitutes almost a third of China’s economy. With Ghost Cities remaining empty across the country, a housing paradox presents itself, in which there is a huge housing surplus, yet also a large homeless population. Redefining what it means to be homeless in the context of China’s hukou system provides a way forward that could benefit both its affluent, as well as those at the bottom of the social hierarchy.

The Hukou

 The hukou is a Chinese registration system that gives citizens preferential access to jobs, health care, land and other services in their birth area. However, this scheme was put in place to curb mass migration towards cities as the country began to industrialize. By prohibiting people from jobs, schools and buying land from areas outside of the space they were assigned to under the hukou, it effectively prohibited internal migration. 

This restrictive system resulted in huge inequalities across the country as Maoist Socialism favored cities due to their economic potential, whilst rural areas were left underfunded and subjected to forcibly low grain procurement prices. Consequently, rural poverty was rampant, reaching a height of 96% in 1980. Fei-Ling Wang, political scientist and author of “Organizing Through Division and Exclusion: China’s Hukou System,” says that the hukou was essentially a caste system in which city babies were born into privilege.

Former Chairman Deng Xiaoping’s government relaxed the system in the 1980s, allowing internal migration. However, people originating from rural regions still lack many rights to formal employment, property and education for their children in cities, allowing inequality to persist. 

While China’s government estimated that just above 1% of the population was homeless in 2019, He et al. advocate expanding the definition of homeless. Rural migrants are forced by hukou restrictions to live in overcrowded and unsanitary informal settlements in cities. Alongside poverty, said settlements are very precarious as they could easily be cleared without any notice, given that migrants have no legal claim to the land. In the American Journal of Sociology and Economics, Huili He et al. expand the definition of homeless to include struggling rural migrants, so that China’s homeless population reaches 300 million, which is more than 20% of the population. Clearly, China’s government is minimizing the homelessness problem, which is better characterized as a crisis. 

The Housing Bubble

While it would be an exaggeration to say that China’s housing market is in freefall, private data shows house prices are steeply declining, with prices in tier 1 cities such as Beijing and Shanghai falling by more than 15%. This is far above government estimates.

China’s huge population created huge demand which propelled the housing market to this size. Also, due to a lack of investment alternatives, many citizens buy secondary or even tertiary homes as a form of investment. These homes are often sold after their prices have increased, or they are given to future generations of children and grandchildren. Regarding supply, Chinese local officials tend to invest in huge housing projects to reach high GDP growth targets and improve their reputation in Beijing. 

Consequently, even before the COVID-19 pandemic, supply began to far outstrip demand as China’s birth rate slowed. The country is littered with ghost cities. These are huge developments with countless towering apartment blocks that are uninhabited. One of the most famous is Ordos City, which attracted attention in 2009 for being empty. A Forbes update in 2016 noted that 100,000 people lived there, although the city was originally built for more than 1 million. 

China’s attempts to achieve ‘zero COVID’ resulted in numerous lockdowns, some lasting into 2022. This had many ramifications. Many property developers risked defaulting on their loans. Chinese properties are often sold prior to their construction and many residents had exchanged their land in return for a newly constructed apartment. However, some construction projects have ground to a halt, resulting in many residing in cramped temporary housing with little hope for a home. With a vacancy rate of over 20%, this contraction in supply has applied no upward pressure to prices.

Regarding demand, the plight of developers has severely shaken consumer confidence, resulting in many choosing to save rather than invest in real estate. The COVID-19 pandemic also diminished purchasing power and increased youth unemployment to more than 20%. Therefore, more young people live with their parents, diminishing the need for secondary and tertiary properties. Real estate demand has steeply fallen, depressing prices. 

The Paradox

China is confronted with a housing paradox. The housing market is crashing, yet more than a fifth of the Chinese population is homeless. While many efforts have focused on curbing rural-to-urban migration, ghost cities present a wiser alternative. The government should focus on ending its concentration of services and opportunities in tier 1 cities and spread them further out across the country in lower tier cities. This would attract migrants away from Beijing, Shenzhen and Shanghai towards cities that are underpopulated. It would both increase real estate demand and decrease homelessness. 

However, solving this housing paradox demands many prerequisites. First, it would require huge government planning and assistance to facilitate migration and aid those at the bottom of society to get onto the property ladder. While NGOs such as the China Foundation for Rural Development have been very successful at alleviating rural poverty through diverting tourism to these areas, much urban poverty has been ignored. Second, this solution would require abolishing, or at least significantly relaxing, the hukou. The Lowy Institute claims that this would increase housing demand and overall be a significant boost for the Chinese economy. However, relaxations to the hukou have been very slow, and its cultural significance should not be underestimated — meaning that abolishing it is a huge task. 

China’s housing paradox presents the country with a stark truth. If its economy hopes to survive, it needs to significantly reform culturally and end its highly restrictive migration policy in favor of free market labor and service movements. Whether the one-party system is willing to allow this remains to be seen. 

– Ryan Ratnam
Photo: Flickr