The university learns to count: the census of the homeless population in the city of Recife

Abstract

The objective of this article is to present the methodological
design developed by a group of researchers from the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco and the initial findings of the census investigation of the homeless population in the city of Recife, research that was distinguished by the participation of social movements and institutions that work with this population. Based on the presentation of this action-research path, we propose to make a brief description of the methodology and instruments, as well as the protocols used in census research aimed at understanding the reality of tis population. In addition, we present some of the results and their impacts on the field of public management, observing the consequences of these data in the formulation of policies for access to income, housing, food, health, education and culture. Thus, the reflections on the research in question allow us to recognize the scientific and  pedagogical exercise carried out by the university so that a political literacy of society and its institutions can be achieved, challenging prejudices, stigmas, myths and bringing to light that which is sought at all costs to hide in urban social reality, and to which the discourse of so-called “invisibility” contributes.