Homelessness in Denmark 2009

This report presents the results of a national survey of homelessness in Denmark, and gives an updated picture of the scope and nature of homelessness as well as the social measures aimed at the homeless. It is a follow-up to a similar survey from 2007. During the survey week (in early February 2009) approximately 5,000 homeless people were counted in both 2007 and 2009.
Fifty per cent of the homeless live in the Greater Copenhagen Area, and the majority of this group are young or middle-aged men. Twenty-five per cent are aged between 18 and 29. Only very few have any attachment to the labour market.
Homelessness is a problem particularly for vulnerable groups, as many of the homeless suffer from mental disorders and are substance or alcohol abusers. Many homeless people state that these conditions are significant contributing factors to their homelessness. In spite of this, only approximately 50 per cent of the homeless receive any kind of treatment to help them deal with their abuse or mental problems.
Only one in three have signed up for a place to live or an accommodation programme, and one in four have been homeless for more than two years.