Available Open Access under CC-BY-NC licence. The number of people experiencing homelessness is rising in the majority of advanced western economies. Responses to these rising numbers are variable but broadly include elements of congregate emergency accommodation, long-term supported accommodation, survivalist services and degrees of coercion. It is evident that these policies are failing.

Using contemporary research, policy and practice examples, this book uses the Irish experience to argue that we need to urgently reimagine homelessness as a pattern of residential instability and economic precariousness regularly experienced by marginal households. Bringing to light stark evidence, it proves that current responses to homelessness only maintain or exacerbate this instability rather than arrest it and provides a robust evidence base to reimagine how we respond to homelessness.

“A book of tour de force. Growing from personal recollections working as a young man in a shelter, to an impressive summary of research findings with undisputable moral and policy implications. A must read for policymakers, researchers and practitioners worldwide.” Juha Kaakinen, CEO, Y Foundation

“Few have the experience and credentials to reflect on European homelessness as Eoin O’Sullivan. And none can match his depth of knowledge.” Dennis Culhane, University of Pennsylvania

Eoin O’Sullivan is a Professor in Social Policy at Trinity College Dublin.

Introduction;

Rediscovering Homelessness;

Responding to Homelessness;

Reacting to Homelessness;

Reimagining Homelessness;

Conclusion.

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