"I Don't Want to Pass Away Like This": A Qualitative Study of the Goals and Needs of People Experiencing Homelessness in Tucson, Arizona.

Abstract

BackgroundHomelessness in the United States is growing and has serious implications for the health and well-being of individuals and communities. The purpose of this study is to share the self-identified goals and needs of people experiencing homelessness in a Southwestern city in the United States.MethodsWe undertook secondary data analysis of qualitative responses (n = 169) to a questionnaire that was part of a 2023 needs assessment of adults experiencing homelessness in Tucson, Arizona. Using inductive applied thematic analysis, qualitative data were transcribed, coded, and organized into themes.ResultsFive themes emerged from the data analysis: (1) people do not want to be homeless, they want stability, and they are willing to work for it; (2) relationships are an important driver of goals; (3) barriers at the individual and interpersonal levels are diverse and individualized; (4) stigma and discrimination hinder exits from homelessness, and (5) hope and despair are both common.ConclusionParticipants experiencing homelessness overwhelmingly articulated the desire to be housed, employed, reconnect with family, and generally have stability in their lives. These findings provide a direct contradiction to the narrative that people who are homeless choose homelessness or do not want to work to change their circumstances.