ABSTRACT
This chapter examines homelessness in Metro Manila, Philippines and the most recent state policy response, the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer for Homeless Street Families (MCCT-HSF). It discusses the mechanics of the MCCT-HSF and its convergence with other poverty reduction programs. Two cases of family beneficiaries are presented as an example of the unique 'sustainable livelihood' strategy of two resilient families, who have adapted to, and learnt to survive on the streets of Metro Manila. The chapter questions the effectiveness of the MCCT-HSF given the absence of a dedicated policy on homelessness in the Philippines. In the Philippines, homelessness has been defined in housing and welfare policy, i.e., in terms of the Urban Development and Housing Act (UDHA) (Republic of The Philippines, Act 7279, 1992) and the expanded MCCT-HSF program, respectively. The convergence framework refers to the implementation of social protection policy in tandem with social welfare services and benefits and work-related policies.
