Volker Busch-Geertsema (GISS)Barbara Illsley (University of Dundee UK)

European Commission

MPHASISMutual Progress on Homelessness through

Advancing and Strengthening Information Systems

Workshop 3 : Developing and Implementing a Homeless Information Strategy

Final Project Conference

European Commission

Background

EU Measuring Homelessness Study Need to improve information base about

homelessness Regional/National/European levels Provide effective evidenced based policies Homeless Information Strategies to support

the development of Homeless Strategies Series of steps and actions recommended

European Commission

Stages in Preparing a Homeless Information Strategy

Stage Action Description

1 Consultation Involve all relevant stakeholders

2 Definitions Agree definition of Homelessness Develop harmonised variables

3 Information needs

Use Strategy to identify information needs and priorities

4 Review Information Sources

Indentify information available and review its usefulness

5 Data Protection Ensure appropriate protocols exists for data protection

European Commission

Stages in Preparing a Homeless Information Strategy

Stage Action Description

6 Time-table of implementation

Plan implementation to ensure stakeholder needs are met

7 Service Provider Database

Prepare and maintain a database of service provision

8 Client data Strategy to aggregate client register data from service providers

9 Administrative Data

Ensure administrative data can be captured to inform policy analysis

10 Combining data Establish joint protocols to eliminate double counting; standardise unique identifiers etc

European Commission

MPHASIS - Governance

Found general recognition and acceptance of the need for co-ordination and involvement of stakeholders

Clear variations in terms of Identifying stakeholders and getting them

involved The lead organisation Scale responsible for data collection Mechanisms used to enhance collaboration

European Commission

Questions - Governance

How do you reach a decision on responsibilities for coordination and implementation of a Homeless Information Strategy in those countries where this is a problem?

How could national authorities get further motivated from the EU level to develop homelessness monitoring strategies with clear targets and indicators?

European Commission

MPHASIS - Implementation

Some countries more advanced than others in defining needs and developing strategies

Weakness and barriers to be overcome Incomplete geographical coverage and

incompatibility of data from different systems Restricted definition of homelessness or no

consensus Continuous data missing Technical problems concerning reliability of

data and data protection Lack of funding

European Commission

Questions - Implementation

Can local and regional approaches be an important step towards reaching a national picture, or are they rather part of the problem?

Is it necessary to base homeless information strategies on obligatory duties for municipalities and service providers to deliver the data needed, or can voluntary systems work?

How can problems to get sufficient funding for measuring homelessness be overcome?

What is needed to ensure that data collection serves policy purposes as well as the needs of homeless clients, their fieldworkers and service organisations?

European Commission

MPHASIS – Core Variables

Progress on the harmonization of definitions of homelessness and core variables has been achieved

Most variables are in use and easy to implement

Question Could a clear recommendation by the

European Commission / Eurostat on core variables help to increase consensus?

European Commission

Proposed Action Points for Discussion

Action Point Level Responsibility

Comment

Identify responsible agency for Homeless Information Strategy in EU member state

EU

National

DG Employment

National Government

Specify as a statement in NAPs

Specify budget for monitoring homeless information

EU

National

DG Employment

Responsible Ministry

NAPs

Harmonise Core Variables Definition

EU Eurostat Working Group on Harmonisation of Social variables