“You Have a Place to Rest Your Head in Peace”: Use of Hotels for Adults Experiencing Homelessness During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Abstract Hotel housing was an intervention implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce the spread of the virus among people experiencing homelessness. Individuals living in congregate shelter or unsheltered settings in New Haven, Connecticut, were relocated into two hotels at the start of the pandemic. In this paper we characterize and explore the experiences of 18 individuals who were moved to hotels. Participants shared that the hotels, as opposed to other settings, provided stability through having a consistent room, access to important amenities, and a sense of privacy and safety. This allowed individuals to gain more control in their lives and make changes that benefitted their health and well-being. The findings suggest that the model of shelter utilized during the pandemic may have important benefits for supporting people who are experiencing homelessness.