Denmark is battling homelessness. <br /><br /> Between 2009 and 2013, the northern European country saw a 16 percent rise in the number of people lacking permanent housing. But one Danish town has tackled the problem head on. In the same, four-year period, Odense has managed to reduce the number of homeless people by 47 percent.<br /><br /> The municipality organised a conference for social workers from eight other European countries to explain the secret to its success.<br /><br /> Tom RØnning, a housing consultant in the town outlined some key areas to tackle.<br /><br /> “Logically, the main thing is to get a cheap and good home, and also to make sure we separate drug abusers,” he said, adding: “We need to make sure they’re spread out, which is what has been successful here in Odense, in contrast to many other places.”<br /><br /> Jimmy Schramm benefitted from the scheme after spending two years in prison. He says the assistance he’s received should help him to wean himself off drugs. <br /><br /> “I have been a drug abuser for 19 years, so
