Exploring experiences of homeless young women at a shelter in Cape Town

Abstract

Homelessness in South Africa is an ever growing problem and it is difficult to determine the exact number of homeless people due to the fact that they live in different areas, such as under bridges, parks, abandoned buildings and vehicles and at shelters. The problem is growing every year nonetheless, there is still no solution. The number of women who are becoming homeless has also been increasing dramatically. There are many contributory factors that have been identified resulting in homelessness among young women, including domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse, poverty amongst others. Homeless women are more vulnerable than other groups, young women especially.