Precarious Life, Homelessness and the role of counseling psychologists

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the ‘neo-homeless’ participants’ lived experiences in the shelters and the streets, within the context and the adversities of the economic crisis in Greece. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 6 participants (4 women and 2 men) at a municipal shelter in Athens, Greece. An Interpretative Phenomenological analysis was used to document their experiences and stories. Research findings revolved around the accounts and the negative effects of neo-homelesness such as detrimental personal consequences, stress, depression, depersonalization , a sense of hopelessness and lack of hope for the future. However, the participants spoke also about positive growth, a deeper apprehension of life’s meanings, and the mobilization of personal and interpersonal resources. ‘Neo-homelessness’ hardship in the shelter was incremental in the experiential conscientization and critical consciousness of the oppression of the social context of crisis and austerity. Implications for the work of counseling psychologists are discussed in terms of working towards empowering persons in homeless trajectories towards resilience in mental health, taking a stance of social justice.