Analysing the effects of Covid-19 on homelessness in Spain during the first quarantine

Abstract

This study aims to reflect the difficulties encountered by homeless people and homelessness in general, in the face of the crisis due to Covid-19, focusing on the situation in Spain. The paper describes the different responses carried out by different entities, both Spanish and international when dealing with homeless people. The study explains how the global solution of accommodation in different reception centres or hostels for homeless people, is not a solution that protects this group, but quite the opposite. To this end, we are committed to a model that has been in full development since the 1990s, the Housing First model as well. In conclusion, we focus on the importance of institutional coordination when offering a response to homelessness, regardless of the area where we are, with special attention to the Housing First model as a measure to be considered in the long term.   Keywords: Covid-19; homeless people; homelessness; housing; shelters.