Hygienist policy and state obligation regarding the provision of assistance to the street population in São Vicente (SP)

Abstract

This paper evaluates the existence, quality and practical effects of government policies on the homeless population. The local situation of São Vicente is compared with the Brazilian urban panorama. The research takes a qualitative approach, gathering legislations and studies related to the topic, including in the environmental field. The concept of hygienism is introduced, along with its tendence to hinder good public policies. It is assumed that, if found, an absence of adequate measures that merge social inclusion and environmental sustainability perpetuate the vulnerability of the homeless population and contribute to the degradation of the urban scenario, with undesirable effects for security and economic development. Finally, the study considers the impacts of the principle of “reserve of the administration”. The deductive method was used, as well as bibliographic and documental references and field surveys.  The findings highlight a lack of adequate shelters, access to basic services, accumulation of waste in urban areas and a possible hygienist tone in urban policies, underscoring the need for comprehensive policies that integrate social inclusion and environmental sustainability.