The situation of homeless ındividuals in earthquakes and policy recommendations: A phenomenological study

This study aims to examine in depth the situation of homeless individuals in earthquakes from the perspective of disaster experts and to present social policy recommendations within this scope. The study was planned qualitatively and phenomenology design was preferred. The data of the study were obtained as a result of interviews with 10 people. In the study, four themes were formed as ‘Vulnerability and Access to Basic Needs’, ‘Information and Safety’, ‘Physical and Psychological Effects’ and ‘Empowerment and Social Integration’. In the study, it was evaluated that homeless individuals have difficulties in accessing basic needs, are socially isolated and stigmatised, face more health risks than other individuals, are not sufficiently included in disaster plans, do not have access to sufficient information, have difficulties in accessing information and support services, and face more security problems than other individuals. As a result, in order to carry out an effective disaster management process in earthquakes, it is recommended to include homeless individuals in comprehensive disaster plans, to identify their special needs, to provide support services to prevent social exclusion, to prepare programmes supporting the social integration of homeless individuals and to organise information campaigns.