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Phenomenon of (in)visible unhoused persons in Welfare States 17 September 2025 15:00 - 18:30

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Why does homelessness persist—even grow—in some of the world’s wealthiest welfare states? How can we understand, and at times even accept, the presence of unhoused individuals in countries like the Netherlands? 

Despite robust evidence supporting the effectiveness of "Housing First" approaches, we continue to see rising numbers of people experiencing homelessness, driven by inaccessible housing markets, restrictive labor policies, and exacerbated by the effects of climate change.

This international research seminar brings together leading experts from Europe, the United States, and Japan to explore the complex and often hidden realities of homelessness in affluent societies. Through case studies, comparative insights, and critical discussions, the seminar will address how policy, climate vulnerability, and social attitudes shape the lives of the unhoused.

The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Nienke Boesveldt (VU Amsterdam), who will also share findings from her research on Experiences with Home in Communal Housing First in Finland.

Other featured speakers include:

  • Dr. Hiroshi Goto (Rikkyo University, Japan), presenting on Homelessness and Climate Vulnerability in Japan: Coping Strategies Against Extreme Heat.
  • Dr. Teruhiro Yamakita (Nihon University, Japan), speaking on Rethinking the Conditions for ‘Unconditionality’: A Case Study of a Formerly Homeless Woman and Housing First Support in Tokyo.

Join us for an urgent and thought-provoking discussion on the visible and invisible dimensions of homelessness—and how we can move toward more humane, sustainable solutions.

Programme

15:00-15:10: Welcome address by Dr. Nienke Boesveldt 

15:10-15:30: Homelessness and Climate Vulnerability in Japan: Coping Strategies Against Extreme Heat, Hiroshi GOTO, Rikkyo University, Japan

15:30-15:50: Q&A   

15:50-16:10: Experiencing Home in Communal Housing First in Finland, Nienke Boesveldt, VU University,
Netherlands

16:10-16:30: Q&A 

16:30-16:50: Rethinking Conditions for 'Unconditionality': A Former Homeless Woman and the Supporting
Practices of Housing First in Tokyo, Teruhiro Yamakita,  Nihon University,Japan

16:50-17:10: Q&A 

17:10-17:20: Closing remarks 

17:20-18:30: Reception  

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About Phenomenon of (in)visible unhoused persons in Welfare States

Starting date

  • 17 September 2025

Time

  • 15:00 - 18:30

Location

  • Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, NU Gebouw (De Boelelaan 1111, 1081 HV Amsterdam)
  • NU 2A - 55

Organised by

  • Ethnographic Impact Lab VU

Language

  • English

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