{"title":"Rolling forward: addressing needs in the homeless community","authors":"Sara A. Brallier, S. Southworth, B. Ryan","doi":"10.1080/10530789.2019.1646477","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10530789.2019.1646477","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT The purpose of this pilot study was to use a bottom up, or grounded, approach to understand, from the perspective of the individuals living in the homeless community, what they feel would enable them to become housed and stay permanently housed. Organizations which serve homeless individuals often use a top down approach and implement programs without asking the homeless what they most need to find permanent housing. This project used intensive interviews to determine the needs of unhoused individuals in a mid-sized city with a tourist-centered economy in the south eastern United States. Working local homeless shelters, and various other intermediaries we collected data from 102 homeless individuals and 11 service providers. The major theme that emerged in our research is that the homeless individuals we interviewed were, for the most part, they were able to meet many of their basic needs, such as securing food, clothing, a place to bathe and wash their clothes, as well as obtain physical and mental care. However, they perceived lack of reliable and affordable transportation to be a significant barrier to obtaining and maintaining employment, making and keeping appointments, and maintaining their social support network.","PeriodicalId":45390,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Social Distress and the Homeless","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2019-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/10530789.2019.1646477","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49359883","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A theory based evaluation of an intervention to promote positive health behaviors and reduce social isolation in people experiencing homelessness","authors":"S. Malden, R. Jepson, Y. Laird, J. Mcateer","doi":"10.1080/10530789.2019.1623365","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10530789.2019.1623365","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Homelessness adversely affects an individual's ability to access healthcare, opportunities for social interaction and recreational activities such as physical activity. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a community-based physical activity and peer support intervention on the health and wellbeing of homeless participants. This study employed semi-structured interviews to investigate the perceived impact of the Street Fit Scotland intervention on the health and wellbeing of 10 homeless adults. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. A thematic analysis was conducted. Participants reported that their health and wellbeing had improved since attending the intervention. This was attributed to improvements in self-esteem, social interaction and mental wellbeing. Participants generally felt that their physical activity had increased since attending Street Fit Scotland, and a number of individuals reported that they were making healthier choices with regards to health behaviors. A theory of change logic model was developed that demonstrated how each component of the intervention influences the observed and intended outcomes. Attendance of Street Fit Scotland had positive effects on participant's health and wellbeing, particularly concerning self-esteem, health behaviors, social interaction, and physical activity. More efforts should be made to evaluate small-scale interventions that are reaching vulnerable population groups.","PeriodicalId":45390,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Social Distress and the Homeless","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2019-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/10530789.2019.1623365","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41623056","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Caroline Balagot, Hector Lemus, M. Hartrick, Tamera Kohler, S. Lindsay
{"title":"The homeless Coordinated Entry System: the VI-SPDAT and other predictors of establishing eligibility for services for single homeless adults","authors":"Caroline Balagot, Hector Lemus, M. Hartrick, Tamera Kohler, S. Lindsay","doi":"10.1080/10530789.2019.1622858","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10530789.2019.1622858","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Despite the spectrum of available resources, homelessness is a persistent societal and public health challenge throughout the United States and in San Diego County. Beginning in January 2014, San Diego began the integration of a Coordinated Entry System into its homeless system-of-care. This historical prospective study examined the predictors of establishing eligibility for permanent housing resources among 15,042 single homeless adults enrolled in the Coordinated Entry System Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to assess the relationship between client vulnerability as measured by the triage tool VI-SPDAT and establishing client eligibility for permanent housing. Overall, being of moderate or high vulnerability was associated with establishing eligibility for a permanent housing resource. Veterans established eligibility faster and more frequently than others, regardless of their vulnerability score. However, the demand for services far outweighed the ability of the system to respond to those with moderate to high vulnerability. More housing navigators and fewer client “hand-offs” between housing professionals are recommended to increase the efficiency of the process. Additional research examining the second and third steps is also needed to more fully understand the factors that promote permanent housing solutions for those seeking services.","PeriodicalId":45390,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Social Distress and the Homeless","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2019-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/10530789.2019.1622858","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48031053","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Prevalence of clinical autistic traits within a homeless population: barriers to accessing homeless services","authors":"Niko Kargas, K. Harley, A. Roberts, Steve Sharman","doi":"10.1080/10530789.2019.1607139","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10530789.2019.1607139","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Recent research suggests a high prevalence rate of Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) amongst the homeless population. Although, it is well-documented that autistic people experienced many barriers to accessing health services, little is known about their challenges in accessing homeless services. Thus, the present study aimed to measure prevalence of high levels of autistic traits, and to identify barriers that prevent autistic people accessing homeless services. Participants recruited from homeless services (n = 65) completed the Autism Quotient-10 (AQ-10) alongside a questionnaire regarding perceived accessibility of homeless services. Results revealed that 18.5% of participants scored Above the Clinical Threshold of the AQ-10 (ACT-AQ). Moreover, the ACT-AQ group reported that encountering big groups in shared accommodation represent a significant barrier to engaging with homeless services. Further research is needed to identify the full degree of ASC representation and the factors that might prevent autistic homeless people accessing homeless services, and thus overcoming homelessness.","PeriodicalId":45390,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Social Distress and the Homeless","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2019-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/10530789.2019.1607139","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45320838","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Employment among unaccompanied women experiencing homelessness","authors":"D. Groton, M. Radey","doi":"10.1080/10530789.2019.1598606","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10530789.2019.1598606","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Women represent one of the fastest growing segments of the homeless population and employment is often central exiting homelessness. However, little research considers employment experiences among unaccompanied women, a particularly vulnerable sub-population. This study explored how unaccompanied women experiencing homelessness (n = 20) perceived and negotiated employment in a mid-sized community. Thematic analysis revealed four themes: limited work experience, limited aspirations, the holding pattern, and individual barriers. Findings endorse the need for Housing-First interventions to prioritize stable housing and employment-friendly shelters.","PeriodicalId":45390,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Social Distress and the Homeless","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2019-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/10530789.2019.1598606","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46705930","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Transportation and homelessness: a systematic review","authors":"Erin R Murphy","doi":"10.1080/10530789.2019.1582202","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10530789.2019.1582202","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Transportation disadvantage can negatively impact access to employment and educational opportunities, healthcare, and social services. Cost of transportation, in particular, has been found to prevent individuals’ upward mobility out of homelessness. Given the vulnerability of persons of color and those living below the poverty line and the negative implications of transportation disadvantage, the author undertook the current study to assess the extent to which scholars are analyzing transportation and its impact on adults experiencing homelessness. An exhaustive search yielded 3102 potentially relevant studies. Thirteen of these studies met the inclusion criteria for further analyses. A priori inclusion criteria included studies: (1) published between 1997 and December 2017 in refereed academic journals; (2) published in English; (3) sampling a population of adults who self-identify as currently or formerly homeless; (4) conducted using empirical quantitative or mixed methods (excluding purely qualitative, theoretical and policy analyses), and; (5) which analyzed transportation as a primary variable of interest. Findings of this research demonstrate that transportation is a critical, although under-researched, variable in the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness. Homelessness service providers, therefore, should work to shift the conversation from transportation as a privilege to transportation equity for all.","PeriodicalId":45390,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Social Distress and the Homeless","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2019-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/10530789.2019.1582202","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43334468","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S. Fleary, Patrece L. Joseph, Emily Zhang, Catherine Quirion
{"title":"“They give you back that dignity”: understanding the intangible resources that make a transitional house a home for homeless families","authors":"S. Fleary, Patrece L. Joseph, Emily Zhang, Catherine Quirion","doi":"10.1080/10530789.2019.1573465","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10530789.2019.1573465","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Approximately 33% of the homeless population in 2017 were families with children. Researchers have argued for interventions and services to employ an ecological perspective to mitigate some of the unintentional harm inherent in existing programs designed to serve homeless families. This paper utilized a case study of a transitional housing program to (1) determine how well the program met recommendations informed by the ecological perspective and (2) explore underlying themes across recommendations. Past and current residents of a transitional housing program participated in semi-structured interviews as part of a program evaluation. Interviews were deductively and inductively coded to meet aims 1 and 2, respectively. Residents identified several aspects of the program that met the ecological perspective recommendations including culturally-responsive services, trauma-based services, and social and community connections. Major underlying themes spanning across recommendations included interpersonal resources (caring, sense of belonging), empowerment resources (advocacy, family preservation), impact on family (family life, positive youth development), and communication. This case study, through the analysis of residents’ perspectives, highlights the important role of transitional housing programs in providing a supportive, empathetic, empowering, and home-like environment that gives residents “back that dignity” so they are emotionally and physically prepared to successfully transition to permanent housing.","PeriodicalId":45390,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Social Distress and the Homeless","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2019-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/10530789.2019.1573465","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44455610","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
H. Rafiey, F. Alipour, Amir Moghanibashi-Mansourieh, Mostafa Mardani
{"title":"The lived experiences of becoming a homeless person with addiction in Tehran: how they are withdrawn from the mainstream community?","authors":"H. Rafiey, F. Alipour, Amir Moghanibashi-Mansourieh, Mostafa Mardani","doi":"10.1080/10530789.2019.1567979","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10530789.2019.1567979","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Understanding the experiences of street addicted people can help clarify the process of engaging people with this social problem. This study aims to discover the challenges of drug-dependent street people by exploring their lived experiences. This study was conducted using content analysis of qualitative interviews with 22 street recruited from within compulsory drug treatment centers in Tehran. Participants were selected through purposive sampling and their experiences of homelessness and addiction were collected through a semi-structured interview. After analyzing the data, three categories and eight sub-categories were determined. The main categories included instability, social distrust, and economic vulnerability. Instability includes experiences such as rejection from their home, street attraction, and avoiding returning home. The social distrust theme consists of experiencing the stigma related to addiction and high-risk behaviors. The economic vulnerability encompasses gradual capital loss and weakening their work status in the context of a weak economic foundation. Dependent drug use added to those isolating experiences leads to weakened family ties, and social and economic interactions and finally results in being disconnected completely from the community mainstream.","PeriodicalId":45390,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Social Distress and the Homeless","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2019-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/10530789.2019.1567979","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41511851","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. Rutenfrans-Stupar, Bo Van Der Plas, Rick Den Haan, T. Regenmortel, R. Schalk
{"title":"How is participation related to well-being of homeless people? An explorative qualitative study in a Dutch homeless shelter facility","authors":"M. Rutenfrans-Stupar, Bo Van Der Plas, Rick Den Haan, T. Regenmortel, R. Schalk","doi":"10.1080/10530789.2018.1563267","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10530789.2018.1563267","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT The majority of homeless people is socially excluded which negatively affects their well-being. Therefore, participation-based programs are needed. The current research is conducted within a Dutch homeless shelter facility that offers educational, recreational, and labor activities to clients in an environment which is designed to feel safe (an enabling niche). The main aim of these activities is to facilitate social participation. We conducted two qualitative studies consisting of 16 semi-structured interviews, to explore clients’ experiences with participation in activities in relation to their well-being. The findings showed that clients experienced that participation had led to an improvement of physical, social, and mental well-being. In general, clients reported that due to participation in activities they have strengthened their social support network, improved their (mental and physical) health, self-esteem and personal growth. We concluded that in order to facilitate long-term positive outcomes of participation in practice, it is necessary to focus on group cohesion, and on the social worker’s behavior and attitude.","PeriodicalId":45390,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Social Distress and the Homeless","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2019-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/10530789.2018.1563267","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47409098","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Rural homelessness: its effect on healthcare access, healthcare outcomes, mobility, and perspectives of novel technologies","authors":"Anthony Easterday, D. Driscoll, S. Ramaswamy","doi":"10.1080/10530789.2019.1567978","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10530789.2019.1567978","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Rural homelessness is an undeniable public health issue that is understudied in the research literature. The purpose of this study was to determine the sociodemographics, physical and mental health status, barriers to access to care, and perspectives on potential technological advances of homeless individuals. A structured 45–90 min interview was utilized to gather demographic, physical health, mental health, mobility, and technology use data from a sample of 75 homeless individuals within three shelters in three micropolitan Nebraska cities. Individuals in this region were more likely to be white, unmarried, and mobile who have various physical and mental health disorders. Adherence to treatment of mental health disorders ranged from 43–60 percent. This population had increased employment, access to healthcare services, and use of technology than predicted. Leaders from all over the country can use these data to help improve state and local efforts to better cater to this vulnerable population's needs.","PeriodicalId":45390,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Social Distress and the Homeless","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2019-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/10530789.2019.1567978","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46761277","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}