Poverty rates among people with a foreign background in Europe are increasing exponentially. Literature shows that migrant organisations can play a central role to combat poverty. However, scientific evidence on their specific role in the provision of service towards people in poverty is lacking [Dierckx, et al. (2009); Heyse, 2008; Spencer, & Cooper (2006, January 10)]. We consider migrant organisations as a particular type of civil society organisations (CSOs) providing services or activities to a specific group of migrants. It is argued that these organisations must collaborate with different service organisations such as public service agencies and a variety of other CSOs providing crucial services such as financial and material aid. We used a mixed method social network analysis to investigate the networks among migrant organisations, public services and CSOs. We conduct a quantitative social network analysis in a deprived neighbourhood in Antwerp, Belgium. The findings show a lack of collaboration between migrant organisations, public services and other CSOs. Qualitative research is used to explain the lack of collaboration in this network. Our findings detect crucial challenges that must be overcome when bridging the gap between migrant organisations and public services or CSOs, in order to achieve poverty alleviation among migrants. © 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Mixed methods Networks Migrant organisations poverty

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