The social assistance phenomena in the context of urban poverty and social risk the example of Van city

The uncontrolled growth in cities and the increase in population brings with it many problems. This situation has made access to limited resources and urban services in city centers more difficult, and poverty, unemployment, unplanned urbanization and housing problems have emerged in densely populated cities. Poverty, the most decisive of these concepts, is not only economically based; It is a phenomenon based on social psychological and political foundations. In this study, firstly conceptually; Concepts such as city, urbanization, poverty, urban poverty, cooperation, social aid, social state are examined and the effect of social aid in preventing urban poverty is discussed. Social assistance data were classified on a neighborhood basis and poverty prevention situations were tried to be analyzed. This study aims to analyze urban poverty and associated social risks in Van city within the context of social assistance policies. The core subject of the research is the evaluation of the economic, social, and psychological dimensions of urban poverty and the role and effectiveness of social assistance in addressing these issues. A mixed methodology combining quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques was used. Quantitative data was collected via surveys from 740 participants, while qualitative data was obtained through semi-structured interviews with 25 participants. Findings of the research indicate that a significant portion of individuals living in Van face severe economic challenges, including insufficient income, unemployment, indebtedness, and housing problems. The primary social risks identified were difficulties in accessing education, healthcare, infrastructure, and housing services. Participants particularly emphasized the inadequacies in healthcare and educational services, economic struggles in meeting basic needs, and experiences of social exclusion. Participants acknowledged the significant contributions of social assistance in economic and social terms; however, they emphasized that these assistances were inadequate in terms of amount and continuity and were ineffectively distributed. Thus, it is concluded that the effectiveness and continuity of social assistance need to be enhanced. In conclusion, given the multidimensional nature of urban poverty and the diversity of social risks, it is highlighted that comprehensive and sustainable policies including economic development, employment enhancement, and strengthening of social services, alongside social assistance, must be developed.