Queering Shelter: Homelessness Service Provider Perspectives on Programming for 2SLGBTQ+ Adults in Montreal, Canada.

Abstract

2SLGBTQ+ adults face unique experiences of homelessness often marked by heightened victimization. Notably, homelessness resources represent challenging environments where, in addition to risks of discrimination, 2SLGBTQ+ adults often do not have support that reflects their unique needs to exit homelessness. The case of Montreal, Canada, is particularly concerning as no resource specifically supports this group. This research set out with the following questions: 1. How are homelessness organizations in Montreal currently responding to the needs of 2SLGBTQ+ community members? 2. How do workers in housing and homelessness organizations imagine shifts to better support the 2SLGBTQ+ community? 3. What policies, practices, and training would support these shifts? Correspondingly, we facilitated three focus groups with a total of 15 individuals currently working in one Montreal homelessness resource. Findings revealed the following themes and recommendations: unique experiences and corresponding needs of 2SLGBTQ+ adults; homelessness resources and supports for 2SLGBTQ+ people in Montreal; staff hold competing views on the effectiveness of segregated or integrated supports for 2SLGBTQ+ people; and that information and training for staff requires greater attention. Overarchingly, findings suggest the need to develop stronger programming and more robust training supported by clear and actionable policies in homelessness services.