COVID-19 Related Mental Health Among a Sample of Families Transitioning from Homelessness Living in a Communal Housing Facility

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the health and mental health of individuals experiencing homelessness. However, little research has investigated the pandemic’s impact on families experiencing homelessness, who likely experienced greater stressors due to the additional responsibilities of managing the needs of children. Student-run free clinics (SRFCs) can provide important needs assessment investigations and mental health interventions in underserved communities. This study examined the effect of the pandemic on the mental health of one sample of families experiencing homelessness associated with an SRFC. Methods: Between November and December 2020, families experiencing homelessness at a homeless shelter in San Antonio, Texas were surveyed. Twenty-one parent and 20 child questionnaire responses on the pandemic’s effect on health, depression, and anxiety were analyzed. One-sample t-test with Bonferroni correction was used for statistical analysis. Results: Parents experiencing homelessness reported statistically significant worsening of coping ability, stress levels, family situation, financial situation, physical health, mental health, depression, and anxiety symptoms at the time of the survey compared to prior to the pandemic. Adults reported more worsening of anxiety symptoms than depression symptoms. Loneliness was the only general health measure that was not significantly worsened. In their young children (mean age = 6.7 years), parents reported no worsening of any outcomes. Conclusions: Our sample of families experiencing homelessness reported significant life and mental health challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. People experiencing homelessness who live in a communal housing facility may protect against characteristic pandemic-related loneliness. Young children may require developmentally focused clinical assessments to adequately capture mental health challenges. SRFCs should be equipped to provide specialized mental health services and other community health services, such as vaccinations, to reduce pandemic-related morbidity and mortality.