Abstract
The provision of eviction prevention and homelessness assistance are two distinct approaches to addressing the issue of homelessness, with each approach focusing on a different point in time. While women are significantly underrepresented in homelessness assistance statistics, and programs face the challenge of reaching homeless women, women sometimes even constitute the largest user group for eviction prevention programs.
This observation raises the question of whether preventive approaches are not only more effective but also more gender-sensitive. It also prompts consideration of whether eviction prevention strategies are suitable for preventing hidden homelessness among women and thereby avoiding dependency relationships. The present article undertakes a thorough examination of gender-specific disparities in service utilization, unpacks potential underlying causes, and offers a series of recommendations aimed at mitigating the prevalence of hidden homelessness among women.
Keywords: eviction prevention, women and homelessness, utilization statistics, prevention, hidden homelessness, homeless assistance system