Gender Differences in Residents’ Intention to Leave Permanent Supportive Housing

Abstract

Objectives: There has been limited exploration of permanent supportive housing (PSH) tenants’ intention to exit PSH, including how satisfaction with services, apartments, and neighborhoods may impact residents’ intention to leave. This study seeks to better understand the socioenvironmental factors associated with residents’ intention to leave PSH, including whether there are gender differences in intention to leave. Method: Data are from 383 chronically homeless individuals who moved into PSH in Los Angeles County, CA, between August 2014 and January 2016. We used gender-stratified logistic regression to assess intention to leave PSH 12 months after moving in. Results: Different factors were correlated with intention to leave PSH for men and women. Satisfaction with environment (i.e., apartments and neighborhoods) was significant for both men and women, but social integration and service engagement were significantly associated with intention to leave housing for women only. Substance use and mental health experiences did not contribute to desire to leave housing. Conclusions: Correlates with intention to leave PSH differ for men and women. Identifying residents who may be capable of successful transition from PSH is a necessary next step in research and practice to facilitate successful exits from PSH and thus maximize the impact of PSH nationwide.