The Aspects of Homelessness in the Experiences of Former Prisoners Staying in Post-Penitentiary AId Centres

Homelessness is one of the experiences of people with criminal records and its scale is not precisely known. The concept of homelessness and its selected dimensions were explained, as well as the risk factors for homelessness among prisoners and former prisoners. The article aims to analyse the experiences and perceptions of prison-related homelessness amongst former prisoners. Based on qualitative research – 52 semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted with formerly incarcerated individuals in six post-penitentiary aid centres that run stationary homes for former inmates – experiences related to homelessness among respondents were classified into the category of institutional homelessness -objective, which includes institutionalised childhood, as well as staying in shelters and night shelters, where there is a lack of individual approach, standardisation and indifference prevail, and the destructive mindset of those using them, which comes down to focusing on getting alcohol, is not conducive to readaptation; and non-institutional-subjective homelessness, which includes living on the streets, in allotments, hotels, squats, drifting, and the emotional dimension of this homelessness – shame, fear, indifference, concern for loved ones. Post-penitentiary aid centres are perceived as a form of homelessness and, at the same time, a means of overcoming it. The remarks were also classified into the categories of pre-prison and post-prison homelessness, in which either homelessness led to crime or vice versa. Homelessness arises as a consequence of various forms of violence, including neglect, family problems, health issues and mental health problems, which require processing through individual or group therapy, mediation or other appropriate forms of treatment or support. Post-penitentiary assistance centres may serve as hubs for managing and preventing post-penitentiary homelessness, and the funds allocated to their activities should be commensurate with the efforts and needs involved in preventing recidivism and homelessness after their release.