Toward a victim inclusive policy framework for people experiencing homelessness in South Africa: a consultative and participatory stakeholder engagement

Homelessness is a multidimensional phenomenon that intersects various aspects of life, including social, economic, well-being, safety and access to basic rights and services. The complex nature of homelessness necessitates constant engagement with stakeholders, at various levels; however, the condition itself reinforces barriers, making it challenging for people experiencing homelessness to access essential resources. The dynamics between homelessness, policy and service delivery are constantly evolving, warranting continuous scholarly attention. The aim of the qualitative study, conducted in South Africa, was to obtain input from stakeholders involved in service delivery and policymaking, regarding the development of an evidence-based victim inclusive policy framework. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 38 participants from diverse sectors and analyzed using thematic analysis. Three broad themes emerged in relation to the aim: theme one reports on the understanding of the dynamics of homelessness; theme two delves into some of the main challenges associated with addressing homelessness; and theme three deals with stakeholder perspectives regarding the current directives and their input for advancing inclusivity among people experiencing homelessness. The findings highlight considerable gaps in collaboration and communication within the broader system, leading to several ideological and practical challenges related to addressing homelessness and providing essential services.