Homeless people and disability

This article presents the main results of the first specific research study about homelessness and disability carried out in Spain. The study was carried out in two sequential phases: The first one (Phase 1) was made in order to quantify the existence of disability among homeless people and the second one (Phase 2) was aimed at knowing the situation of these people. The results of Phase 1 (695 participants) showed a significant presence of disability among homeless people: 12 % of the homeless were holders of disability certificates, although the percentage of disability among people could be higher if we consider the perception of professionals and users (at least 23 %). Phase 2 compared the situation and characteristics of homeless people with (81 participants) and without (48 participants) disabilities. The results of the second phase showed important implications of the existence of disability among homeless, such as a greater chronicity in homelessness, more difficult access to employment and a greater vulnerability to accidents, assaults and other crimes