48% of the 1,833 homeless persons who attended at accommodation centres and dining halls were foreign, according to Eustat data. In adddition, they have been in Spain for 5 years on average, and a little over 2 years in the A.C. of the Basque Country. By continents, they are mainly from Africa (61%), followed by Europe (26%) and thirdly America (12%). Specifically, most come from Morrocco (37%), Algeria (16%), Rumania (8%) and Bolivia (3.4%).

75% of homeless persons are men, most aged between 30 and 45 years of age. However, the presence of women and foreigners contributes to the rejuvination of the group. 46% of women are aged between 18 and 29 and 86% of the foreigners are aged under 45, compared with 53% of Spanish homeless.

The average level of education of the homeless has increased due to the group of foreigners who, with quite a high percentage (20%), possess higher studies. Altogether, 57% have first or second stage secondary education studies, 23% have primary studies and 14% have university studies.

Isolation is very common among this group, as 81% do not have a partner and an additional 10%, while having a partner, do not live with them. With regard to children, 39% of men and 68% of women have children. Two thirds of the women with children live with them, compared to only 9% of homeless males in the same situation.

Homeless men lodge at shelters and women stay in flats

Another characteristic that shows the different behavioiur among this group between men and women is accommodation. While 50% of men stay in shelters or residences, 55% of women opt for flats. Places that are not destined to be lived in, such as public spaces and makeshift accommodation, are only frequented by males (14%) whle women opt for safter places.

Although 72.5% of homeless persons are jobless, it is important to point out that one in every four homeless women work compared with a low figure of 9% for males.

Average income is 380 euros per month, which comes mainly form the Minimum Insertion Income with 17%, from work, which provides 12%, and from dontations from people in the street, accounting for 10%.

40% of the homeless do not consume drugs or alcohol

In general, 55% of these people consider their state of health to be good or very good. 54.7% claim they do not consume alcohol and, in addition, 40% do not consume drugs. Among the most common drugs consumed are hashish or marijuana, with 48% of consumers.

By provinces, almost half the homesless population in the A.C. of the Basque Country were attended at centres in Bizkaia, Bilbao being the capital with the highest number of homeless. In Álava 27.7% of the homeless were attended, while in Gipuzkoa the percentage was 26.5%.

Note: This survey was carried out in collaboration with the National Statistics Institute (INE).