SURVIVING IN HOMELESSNESS SITUATION IN PORTUGAL: THE EMERGENCE OF INNOVATIVE RESPONSES

Pointed out as a phenomenon of extreme social vulnerability, in Portugal are in a homeless situation all individuals who are without a roof, subsisting in public spaces, housed in short-term shelters, or integrated in temporary accommodations. The main goal of this article is to understand, characterize and analyze, from an institutional point of view, the types of intervention that are operationalized by the social sector with people in homeless situations. In addition, it intends to examine the repercussions of the current situation of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the studied population and in professional practice. Therefore, three semi-structured interviews were conducted with professionals who work daily in this context and integrate social responses designed to act with the targeted audience. It was concluded that, in addition to direct and integrated interventions, it is essential to work for and with society regarding the awareness of its role and the fight against its discrimination and prejudice, with essential implementation of innovative practices as the privileged route.