Abstract

Homelessness is a multi-layered worldwide issue, shaped by cultural, economic, and political factors. This qualitative case study compared two international non-profit organizations, Hope Haven in Paraguay and Safe Shelter Foundation in Finland, in their approaches to reducing homelessness. The research explores how institutional systems and sociocultural norms shape intervention by utilizing two theoretical frameworks, structural functionalism and social constructionism. The study included semi-structured interviews with twelve participants employed by the organizations, seven from Paraguay and five from Finland, and a review of archival program data. The interview and archival data were triangulated with deductive and inductive data analysis.

Findings revealed distinctions in the approach to addressing homelessness within the Global South and Global North regions. In Paraguay, homelessness is a social construct treated as an individual issue and described as lacking a family, and managed through grassroots initiatives and community-led initiatives. Politically, no formal policies or sufficient government funding exist to support social welfare or stable housing. In Finland, homelessness is identified as a systemic responsibility. Housing is prioritized without preconditions through the “Housing First” program. Government policies and non-profits experience integrated national policies and government partnerships that collectively respond to homelessness. Both countries share cultural, economic, and political factors that limit progress. Collaboration across service providers and organizations helped both organizations improve outcomes. Both organizations provide instructional training for others to adopt their frameworks and have hopes to expand their efforts.

This research illustrates how a region's socioeconomic conditions, cultural perceptions, and political frameworks shape homelessness. Cultural beliefs about homelessness, as a social construct, have direct implications for non-profit and governmental policies and practices to address homelessness in their region. Furthermore, the programmatic efforts differ in execution and collaborative support, yet each organization has successfully helped to reduce homelessness in its region. This study's findings can help inform the United States of America’s (U.S.) homeless reduction strategies by implementing a blended approach that integrates three factors: Housing First, Cultural Alignment, and Personal Agency. This study provides a framework for homeless prevention advocates, community activists, and political leaders to examine homelessness through social constructionism and structural-functionalist lenses when identifying ways to increase effectiveness in their interventions.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Homelessness—Finland; Homelessness—Paraguay; Homeless persons—Services for; Homelessness—Government policy; Public-private sector cooperation

Date of Award

2025

School Affiliation

Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Department/Program

Education

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctorate

Faculty Advisor

Anthony Collatos

Download

Share

COinS