Rising housing costs and the resulting threat to housing stability have become a growing problem for an ever-larger segment of society across Europe in recent years – also in Austria. One consequence is the persistently high number of people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity across Europe. In Austria, approximately 21,000 people are affected by homelessness with significant undercounting, particularly in the context of hidden homelessness or overcrowding. Vienna has the largest population of individuals experiencing homelessness, with over 11,000 persons registered in the Central Population Register (Statistik Austria 2024).
While previous surveys in Austria have mostly focused on the extent and profile of homelessness, international studies suggest that qualitative data on the perspectives of people experiencing homelessness can serve as a valuable addition to otherwise predominantly quantitative research perspectives. Qualitative perspectives and detailed insights into transitions between different phases of homelessness, housing instability, and precarious living conditions can make valuable contributions to research on the needs and challenges faced by those affected. In Vienna, with its extensive network of counseling and support services, a qualitative study on pathways of homelessness and housing instability can yield important insights.
During the project we analyzed transitions between different forms of housing as well as pathways into, out of, and through various phases of homelessness, housing instability, and precarious living. We placed a focus on lived experiences of those affected during these phases and especially on the transitions between these phases, in order to gain insights into individual life situations, needs, and emotional and social contexts. The following research questions were addressed:
• How do people formerly affected by homelessness describe the transitions between different phases of homelessness, housing instability, and precarious housing based on their own lived experience?
• What are the main contributions of organizations working with people experiencing homelessness in Vienna, from the perspective of those affected in the respective phases?
• How can organizations working with people experiencing homelessness support transitions into long-term housing or prevent a decline into rough sleeping?
Based on biographical interviews with formerly homeless individuals who were now stably housed, a phase model of homelessness, housing instability, and precarious living was developed using the ETHOS-Light typology (Edgar et al. 2007), with the aim of contributing to international debates on the subject. In addition, a structured view of pathways of homelessness in Vienna was derived and best precatives were formulated to support the practices of service organizations, to prevent the loss of stable housing, and to support the design of relevant services.
Research was conducted using biographical interviews with individuals who had experienced homelessness and housing instability and are currently housed in Housing First programs or other long-term housing arrangements. As part of the project, an ex post analysis was conducted to determine how pathways into, through, and out of homelessness unfolded, what needs the affected individuals had during specific phases of housing provision, and which services they utilized. The individual and structural factors leading to the loss of housing were examined, as well as the conditions that contributed to recovery. Individual life circumstances, needs, and potential entry points for prevention or for facilitating entry into long-term housing were examined. The roles of the Viennese network of service organizations for people experiencing homelessness were also investigated.
Further results can be found in the following publications.
Contribution to the situation report of the Vienna Homeless Assistance Association 2025 (in German)
August 2024 – July 2025
This project is funded by the City of Vienna's Department of Cultural Affairs (MA 7).
