Marcel Slockers

119 General discussion 4. What are the implications for policy regarding the health status of homeless people? Prevention of homelessness General Prevention of homelessness is important because of the relationship between homeless- ness and high mortality rates and low life expectancy, as described in this thesis. This assumption is widely shared as is evident, among other things, from a letter from State Secretary for Health, Welfare and Sport to the House of Representatives on December 6, 2019, in which the high mortality rates among homeless people from this study are used as a scientific basis in order to call for improvements. 19 Meanwhile, the State Secretary for Health, Welfare and Sport and the Minister of the Interior have made proposals on prevention, renewal of shelter places, and assisted living. 20 An additional 200 million euros have been designated from June 2020 for a period of 1.5 years to fight homelessness in the Netherlands. Youth This thesis shows that there is much to be gained in terms of life years for young homeless people. This implies the importance of specific programmes for this target group. The objective of the Homeless Youth Action Programme 2019-2021 is a substantial reduction in the number of young homeless people up to the age of 27, by the end of 2021, throughout the Netherlands. 21 Fourteen pilot municipalities, including the four major cities, have even set a "100% reduction ambition" as a goal by the end of 2021. Achieving these goals requires a broad approach. Early identification of young people without an address is essential. After-care following young people’s detention, tackling debts and financial security for young people are required in order to prevent homelessness. Women This thesis shows that the difference in life expectancy between homeless and non-home- less people in Rotterdam is largest among women. In the period 2006-2010, women's shelters were set up in Rotterdam after the elimination of the Keileweg prostitution zone. However, much of this shelter disappeared again after 2010. A targeted approach to reduce the number of homeless women after 2010 seems not to have succeeded. Subsequently, we have observed an increase in the proportion of women who are homeless and go to the street doctor's consultation hours with health care needs. Women do not feel safe in a mixed shelter due to previous traumatic experiences with (sexual) violence. A safe shelter