New Communities Housing Research Project

1
New Communities Housing Research Project
2
Outline of Presentation

• Introduction to Focus Ireland ICI
• Rationale for Research
• Aims / objectives
• Methodology / ethical considerations
• Status of project
• Anticipated outcomes
• Use of findings

3
Background to Focus Ireland

• Housing and Homeless Charity
• Work with single adults, families young people
• Believe that everyone has a right to a place
  they can call home which is safe, secure,
  affordable appropriate to their needs
• Working to prevent people becoming, remaining or
  returning to homelessness through the provision
  of quality services, supported housing, research
  advocacy

4
Focus Ireland Services

• Housing projects Dublin, Waterford, Limerick
  Sligo
• Young People care services Aftercare Off the
  Streets
• Youth and Outreach Caretakers, Extension
  Outreach service
• Coffee Shop Crisis Team
• Tenancy Support and Sustainment, Intensive Family
  Support Childcare

5
The Advocacy Unit

• Research
• Policy Development
• Campaigns and Lobbying
• Communications
• Education and Training
• Information
• Partnerships

6
Background to ICI

• National, independent NGO that promotes rights of
  migrants through information, legal advice,
  advocacy, lobbying, research training
• Founded in 2001
• Response to need to support migrants coming to
  Ireland for work, study, family reunification,
  self-employment, visit etc.

7
Rationale for Research

• Demographic mix in Ireland over last 10 years has
  changed significantly (10 population are
  non-nationals)
• Housing is essential for integration settlement
• Immigration policy has impact on migrant housing
  trajectories
• Gap in Ireland of evidence-based research
  analysis on housing careers of migrants
  effective for policy making

8
Aim of Research

• Focus Ireland ICI joined in partnership
• Housing careers of 4 migrant groups in
  Blanchardstown area (Dublin 15)
• Lithuanian, Chinese, Nigerian, Indian
• Compliments UCD research on New Communities and
  Integration (social, economic, cultural,
  political)
• Evidenced-based research
• Highlight the role of housing in inclusion /
  exclusion of groups

9
Rationale for Sample Area

• Significant clustering of various nationalities
  in area
• 25 increase of population from 2002 to 2006
• Contrast to Dublin of 5.7 increase
• Largest increase in number of private households
  Fingal CC
• Fastest growing area in Ireland

10
Objectives of Research

• Highlight diversity of housing experiences
  community impact within 4 communities
• Identify the factors (positive / negative)
  impacting on housing experiences patterns of
  housing careers
• Access to housing (i.e. physical housing unit)
  house as a home neighbourhood / community (i.e.
  broader housing environment)
• Inform evidenced-based approaches to housing
  policy research on housing in Ireland
• Recommendations for policy responses, supports
  interventions that can improve access to housing
  for migrants

11
Research Methodology

• Review of literature
• Quantitative data analysis
• Qualitative research (40 interviews)
• Individual case studies / biographies
• Development of case studies of 4 communities
• Focus groups of migrant organisations
• Ethical / participatory methods
• Involvement of 4 communities with peer-led
  researchers (interviews, analysis)

12
Status of Project

• Commenced - end 2007
• Completion date end May 2008
• Festival launch end July 2008
• Interviews ongoing (end April)
• No preliminary findings available yet
• Literature review ongoing

13
Anticipated Outcomes / Use of Findings

• Fill gap of evidenced-based findings / case
  studies on housing careers of migrants
• Inform development of supports, interventions
  policy measures to promote access to housing for
  migrants
• Involvement of communities in research
• Generate public political debate on issues
• Inform our research, policy, communications
  services work