A Mixed Methods Analysis of Community Integration Among Vulnerably Housed and Homeless Individuals

Abstract

This thesis presents four distinct studies of psychological and social integration of homeless and vulnerably housed individuals. The first study presents a predictive model of psychological integration, defined as a sense of belonging and membership to one’s community. The second study presents a predictive model of social integration, defined as how an individual engages with others in the community. The third study presents a mixed methods comparative analysis of homeless and vulnerably housed individuals with “high” and “low” levels of psychological and social integration. The fourth study presents a reflexive analysis of conducting interviews with homeless and vulnerably housed individuals. Data for this research comes from a two-year longitudinal study conducted in Ottawa, Ontario. Participants were men and women, over the age of 18 (Baseline: N = 397; Follow-up 1: N = 341; Follow-up 2: N = 320) who were either homeless or vulnerably housed at the study’s outset. Quantitative data analyses occurred at Followup 1 and 2 and utilized hierarchical multiple regression. Qualitative data analyses used a general inductive approach utilizing a First Cycle and Second Cycle coding method (Saldana, 2009). Social support was a significant predictor of both psychological integration and social integration. Individuals with high levels of social support had high levels of psychological and social integration. Social support proved to be the only predictor to be significantly associated with social integration at both Follow-up 1 and 2. Psychological integration was positively associated with several variables at Follow-up 1 and 2: increased age, living in high quality housing, and residing in a neighbourhood that is Community Integration of Vulnerably Housed and Homeless Individual iii perceived as having a positive impact. The mixed methods analysis uncovered several salient themes that affected psychological and social integration, including substance use in one’s housing and neighbourhood, neighbourhood safety and location, and housing quality. The reflexive component of the thesis highlighted the importance of location when conducting interviews and the power dynamics of the interview process. The results are discussed in terms of implications for service delivery and policy. Community Integration of Vulnerably Housed and Homeless Individual iv ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to give as many thanks as possible to my advisor, Dr. Tim Aubry. His unwavering support throughout my graduate studies was essential for the completion of this thesis. I have learned so much from him over these past six years and will hold close the values of community-based research he has imparted on me. I thank my committee members, Dr. Susan Farrell, Dr. Fran Klodawsky, and Dr. John Sylvestre, for their timely and thoughtful feedback. You have all been a pleasure to work with. I would also like to thank my external committee member, Dr. Philip Yanos, for providing helpful commentary during my defence. This thesis would not have been possible without the hard work and determination of the various members of the HHiT team. In particular, the coordinator for the Ottawa site, Liz Hay, demonstrated that persistence pays off. To the interviewers, particularly Lesley Fleming, Elyse Sevigny, and Val Hum, your dedication was unparalleled. And to all of the work-study students who were involved, particularly Julia Mooney and Pascale Belzile, I thank you for your hard work. Thank you to the University of Ottawa, the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities, and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council for their generous funding packages throughout my graduate studies. To all my family and friends, thank you for the love and encouragement you have provided me over the years. To my family, thank you for the tremendous amount of support you have given me. To my friends, thank you for nights at Babylon, hours on the tennis court, and red, red, red, red wine. Community Integration of Vulnerably Housed and Homeless Individual v Last and most importantly, I thank the participants of the HHiT study. You took the time to share your stories and provided us with a wealth of knowledge. I thank you for inviting me into your homes or agreeing to meet me at 34 Stewart. These experiences shaped the development of my skills as a community-based researcher. I hope the results from this thesis serve to impact the lives of all the individuals we surveyed, through improved service planning and policy. Community Integration of Vulnerably Housed and Homeless Individual vi TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract ii Acknowledgments iv Table of