Adapting the Shelter: Demographic Change and Policy Limits

Background

Homeless shelters remain central to supporting people experiencing homelessness, but demographic shifts reveal gaps in current approaches. Recent research in European countries such as the United Kingdom, Spain and Italy highlights two key trends: an ageing homeless population and higher risk in specific job sectors. These groups have needs that standard shelter models may not meet. This study examines these trends and policy implications.

Methods

This is a 2023-2024 comparative mixed-methods study conducted in 27 homeless shelters in two crisis-affected European cities: Athens (Greece) and Manchester (UK). The sample includes homeless shelter residents (HSRs) and stakeholders, comprising 207 questionnaires and 72 semi-structured interviews. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed.

Results

Findings indicate demographic differences between the two cities: in Athens, many HSRs are aged 66-75 (28.2%) and 76 years of age and above (7.7%), while in Manchester, only 2% of are 66-75 and none are over 76. Histories of employment such as workers (19.5%), cleaners (12.1%) and security guards (7.4%), were similar across the two cities, highlighting sectors linked to higher housing insecurity. Policies in current shelters that focus on short-term stays and employment reintegration, may not adequately address these diverse needs.

Conclusions

Marked demographic differences between the two cities, particularly in age distributions, indicate that needs vary by city context and require tailored policy responses. The findings show that individuals enter homelessness at older ages, while certain occupations increase the risk, with similar employment histories across cities highlighting sectors linked to housing insecurity. These insights support the development of targeted shelter models and preventive strategies addressing age-specific needs, occupational risk, and long-term stability, ultimately improving accessibility, outcomes and policy responsiveness.

Key messages

• Homeless shelter residents often come from high-risk job sectors, emphasizing the need for targeted prevention and tailored support services.

• Policies and homeless shelter models must adapt to meet varied needs, ensuring accessible, long-term, and inclusive care for older people experiencing homelessness.