Investigating the roles of social work in addressing homelessness in Zimbabwe. A case study of Kuwadzana 1 home industries.
- Author
- Mahere, Princess R.
- Title
- Investigating the roles of social work in addressing homelessness in Zimbabwe. A case study of Kuwadzana 1 home industries.
- Abstract
- This dissertation aimed at investigating the roles of Social work in addressing homelessness, focusing on Kuwadzana 1 home industries a temporary settlement with homeless individual. This study took place in Kuwadzana a suburb in Harare the Capital city of Zimbabwe. The study used a qualitative research approach to collect data, methods used were interviews, focus group discussion and observations. Underpinned by theory of Social capital which gives emphasis to social networking and building strong and better relationships which then contribute to resource mobilization. Data was presented in a qualitative thematic analysis. The study revealed a number of challenges faced by homeless individuals from the findings of the researcher in field these include the prime challenge lack of proper /stable housing, un employment amongst most homeless youths and able-bodied individuals, limited access to food either due to poverty which comes as a result of unemployment, low wages and neglect form institutions providing social support programs like the world food programs. Health vulnerability as a result of the risky lifestyles of the homeless people were by their informal settlements are vulnerable to different weather patterns, they engage in informal sector jobs like commercial sex work which risks them getting sexual transmitted infections, poor nutrition and mental health issues that come as a result of stress and inability to cope up with life situations, and lack of identity documents which deprives them of accessing many services. The Researcher also had findings of Social work intervention strategies in attempt to address homelessness such as assisting the homeless populations with access to certain services as the healthcare services, also providing counselling to assist in dealing with mental health of the homeless individuals, dispensing of material resources like clothes, assessment of the homeless community needs to help bring interventions tailored towards the unique needs of an individual, the existence of social support networks facilitated by Social workers. The researcher also went on to suggest a possible best model to approach homelessness which involves prioritizing the housing first approach, implementing an integrated intervention model which calls for collaboration with many other organizations of interest to help and bring different various services necessary to address homelessness. Thus, the researcher recommends the emphasis of homeless individuals in study when grouping vulnerable and in practice. Thus, allowing there to be a variety of solutions to addressing homelessness.
- Date
- June 2025
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Homelessness
- Home Industries
- Kuwadzana 1
- Supervisor
- Mr. P. Gonorashe
- Item sets
- Department of Social Work
- Media
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Mahere, Princess R..pdf