This bachelor’s project focuses on the issue of houselessness and unsheltered living among young people. The situation of unhoused youth in Austria remains significantly under-researched, which is reflected in the lack of knowledge about this phenomenon. In the project workshop, students will explore both the causes and consequences of youth homelessness, as well as approaches to addressing it. Alongside structural factors, the project will also examine the lived realities of unhoused and unsheltered youth.

Through planned participation by the target group, the project aims to offer students a shift in perspective. In addition to participatory methods and elements of action research, traditional qualitative social research methods will be applied.

A unique feature of the project is the collaboration with a group of students from UCLL Leuven in Belgium who conduct research on a similar topic. Several online exchange meetings are planned, focusing on the subject matter, research methods, and findings. Additionally, an in-person visit by one of the groups is planned – either to Leuven or to St. Pölten. The exchange is intended to be enriching for all participants without creating additional workload. However, good English language skills are required for participation.