Characteristics of Supportive Housing in Deprived Area of Osaka, Japan

Abstract

As a side effect of rapid industrialization and economic development, the number of socially vulnerable people has increased. The housing is desperately needed for the socially disadvantaged, such as, homeless people. A detailed guide is needed to solve the homeless problem, and there are cultural differences among countries in how they are supported. In order to build a broader infrastructure, it is necessary to look how other countries are dealing with homeless problems. The purpose of this study is to analyze the physical environment and operational supporting service characteristics of private supportive houses in Kamagasaki District of Osaka, Japan. The study was conducted by field visits and in-depth interviews methods. Three supportive housing cases were analyzed. As results, all cases were changed from the existing guest hotel, and they utilized facilities like sprinklers for fire act, existing community spaces for social interaction, as well as, concierge space for service coordination. The operators were taking care of residents with reciprocal relationships, and the service programs were flexible depending on their characteristics. Particularly, the supportive housing operators were established the non-profit organization. Private supportive housings in Osaka is a naturally generated model that is sustainable and community-oriented. The Japan cases showed that there are various ways to provide and develop supportive housings.