Revisiting the threefold typology? An exploratory analysis of homelessness duration and recurrence in Belgium using administrative data

This study explores administrative data from 2010 to 2018 to examine homelessness duration and recurrence in Belgium. We focus on people experiencing homelessness (PEH) with a reference address at a local welfare agency. By critically revisiting the classic threefold typology – transitional, episodic, and chronic, which is often derived from limited shelter-based data – the study adopts a four-group classification: first-timers, re-enterers, chronic and extremely chronic homelessness. Our findings align with prior research, confirming significant associations of shorter durations with families, women, and younger individuals. Interestingly, the majority of our dataset faces chronicity, including youth and families. Extremely chronic homelessness highlights administrative vulnerability, suggesting to reduce administrative barriers to enhance their access to rights. Providing a more nuanced understanding of duration and recurrence, based on administrative data over extended periods, is crucial for gaining deeper insights into the chronicity of homelessness, ultimately supporting more informed policy decisions.