In Moldova and Bulgaria there are limited employment opportunities even for university graduates. Coupled with a lack of rights for tenants mean means eviction can be swift and leave people on the streets with no money for food. Limited government support for people who are homeless exacerbates the problem and provides little hope of a way out.
For Viorel (pictured), the path to homelessness was quick. “My wife died, I had a daughter, but 18 years ago she went abroad, and I haven’t heard from her since.”
Viorel then tried to rebuild his life, but his girlfriend became abusive and finally drove him out of his own apartment that he’d lived in for 30 years. “One day when I came home she’d thrown all my belongings out the window, so I was homeless”