1. Policy Round Table Permanent Representation of the Republic of Slovenia to the European Union Rue de Commerce 44, 1000 Brussels Friday, 10th October 2014 13.00 - 15.15

2. Presentation of WRS II. Results Slovenia [WORKSTREAM 5: Dissemination and Exploitation / Policy Round Table] Prepared by responsible partner for WS5: EuroCoop Institute for European Research and Development Eva Srdoč, Project Manager

3. Slovenian Policy Problem of homelessness is more social than residential For now we do not have a national program, strategy directed at eliminating of homelessness We do not have foreseen systematic ways out from living in temporary housing units

4. Slovenia in Numbers In Slovenia there is none (statistic) system or clearly definited way of getting and collecting data about this issue No institution to record homelessness Until today in Slovenia there is no integral research about visible and hidden type of homelessness There is also no research about woman homelessness A rough estimation: more than 3000 homeless people Women represent an important part of this group (ABOUT 15 %)

5. Reasons for WRS in Slovenia Rough sleeping among women as the consequence of being homeless is in the majority of cases the result of leaving a violent partner All the solutions which enable WRS to avoid rough sleeping are just the solutions for a short period of time Shortage of temporary dwelling units in Slovenia, where, after leaving safe house, could go those women, whose socialy – economic status is problematic

6. WRS Situation in Slovenia The loss of place called home is the hardest for women who do not have much power in public space (members of ethic minorities, eldery women, women without citizenship and women with psychical and physical problems) Problem of citizenship: women who do not have the Slovene citizenship cannot apply to the tenders for vacancies and also cannot get help of institutions like homes for mothers It is also proved that women who live on the streets in more cases suffer from mental health problems and drug/alcohol abuse than men who live on the streets

7. WRS Situation in Slovenia At the moment none of safe houses or crisis centres is not adapted for physically handicapped women Hidden or invisible homelessness  high potential to become rough sleepers soon There are a lot of non-governmental organizations in Slovenia which help women victims of sexual violence and exploitation, but they are located only in larger cities! WRS have to integrate into empowerment programmes on their own initiative (phone call, personal approach etc.). Furthermore, methods for preventing WRS from violence and sexual exploitation are not carried out on the streets – but in the shelter of institutions  no field / street work

8. Recommendations It is necessary to recognize women homelessness as a complex social problem and not a problem of an individual woman, which is derived from her pathology To carry out a comprehensive study of homelessness in Slovenia, which should cover all relevant aspects of gender sensitivity and verify the needs of homeless persons Establish services specific for homeless women. (These services must guarantee women a safe place, contact with a professional woman worker and especially support resolving her the situation )

9. Recommendations Introducing to existing so-called general services for the homeless aspects of gender-sensitive practices, (provide safe spaces to women, encourage them to seek employment, to assist them in finding housing and prevent any kind of abuse, violence and exploitation of women in the institution) Necessary to introduce community-based services, transitional housing services, support services and not only institutionalization Particular attention to specific groups of homeless women – with mental health problems, mothers, those who experience violence or abuse, elderly women, etc...

10. …their needs are not being answered… “When you live on the street you are used to a particular schedule. Not schedule. You are used to certain things and you are not prepared… No prepared… You are afraid to start to live differently.” … “I'm afraid of a new way of life because now I am accustomed to this. Adjusting is not a problem.I am afraid of change.” (Biba, a WRS, age 32)

11. Presentation of WRS II Results - Slovenia THANK YOU Contact: Eva Srdoč EuroCoop, Institute for European Research and Development Project Manager E. eva.srdoc@eurocoop.si // SKYPE. eva.srdoceva.srdoc@eurocoop.si T. 00386 1 565 45 67 // M. 00386 40 270 257