On the outer edge

This book deals with the problem of housing provision for drug addicts living in Vienna who spend a considerable amount of their time in public spaces. Although this group makes up only a small proportion of the overall drug scene, it is highly visible to the public and poses major challenges for Vienna’s homeless services. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the diverse social and health problems faced by the target group and to examine their access to the services offered by Vienna’s homeless support services. Finally, it highlights the conditions that hinder and promote better housing provision for the target group. The findings of this paper are largely based on an extensive review of the specialist literature, but also partly on the author’s many years of work with the target group. They underline the high relevance of institutions with an accepting attitude, as well as the expansion of services and social housing.