Homeless a key target of census
The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) says it is prioritising the counting of homeless persons across the country in order to provide government with much-needed statistics.
NSA board chairperson Salomo Hei said the counting of homeless persons is critical to help government create conducive policies.
He added that special provisions have been made to ensure that homeless persons are accounted for.
“There is a clear plan in place. We will account for every homeless person in Namibia. It is a critical exercise, and with plans being noted, we must make sure that it speaks to the plans policymakers are making.
“As soon as we determine the characteristics, we can create conducive laws. We must bring the information to the policymakers to guide them,” Hei said.
Effective strategies
Basic Income Grant Coalition (BIG) spokesperson Casper Borowa said the census would help policymakers draft interventions to help homeless persons living in Namibia.
“This data serves as a linchpin for crafting effective strategies to address homelessness comprehensively. It will allow policymakers to develop targeted interventions that cater to specific segments of the homeless population, such as the elderly, women and youth.”
This precision ensures that resources and support are directed where they are needed most, addressing the unique challenges faced by each group, Borowa said.
Government will be able to properly assist the poor when armed with the correct information, he added.
“By understanding the geographical distribution and the severity of homelessness, the government then channels funding, shelter and support services with greater precision, guaranteeing that homeless individuals in regions with acute needs receive prompt assistance."
Trends
Furthermore, the data's ability to shed light on homelessness trends over time empowers policymakers with insights for long-term planning, the spokesperson said.
“It enables the assessment of the effectiveness of existing programmes and facilitates necessary adjustments to ensure sustained progress in the fight against homelessness,” Borowa added.
NSA board chairperson Salomo Hei said the counting of homeless persons is critical to help government create conducive policies.
He added that special provisions have been made to ensure that homeless persons are accounted for.
“There is a clear plan in place. We will account for every homeless person in Namibia. It is a critical exercise, and with plans being noted, we must make sure that it speaks to the plans policymakers are making.
“As soon as we determine the characteristics, we can create conducive laws. We must bring the information to the policymakers to guide them,” Hei said.
Effective strategies
Basic Income Grant Coalition (BIG) spokesperson Casper Borowa said the census would help policymakers draft interventions to help homeless persons living in Namibia.
“This data serves as a linchpin for crafting effective strategies to address homelessness comprehensively. It will allow policymakers to develop targeted interventions that cater to specific segments of the homeless population, such as the elderly, women and youth.”
This precision ensures that resources and support are directed where they are needed most, addressing the unique challenges faced by each group, Borowa said.
Government will be able to properly assist the poor when armed with the correct information, he added.
“By understanding the geographical distribution and the severity of homelessness, the government then channels funding, shelter and support services with greater precision, guaranteeing that homeless individuals in regions with acute needs receive prompt assistance."
Trends
Furthermore, the data's ability to shed light on homelessness trends over time empowers policymakers with insights for long-term planning, the spokesperson said.
“It enables the assessment of the effectiveness of existing programmes and facilitates necessary adjustments to ensure sustained progress in the fight against homelessness,” Borowa added.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article