Infrastructuring migrant urban citizenship: homeless EU migrants and service providers’ facilitation of care and rights in pandemic Copenhagen

As interest grows in the diffusion of evidence-based interventions (EBIs), there is increasing concern about how to mitigate implementation challenges; this paper concerns adapting an EBI for homeless women. Complementing earlier focus groups with homeless women, homeless service providers (n = 32) were engaged in focus groups to assess capacity, needs, and barriers with implementation of EBIs. Deductive analyses of data led to the selection of four EBIs. Six consensus groups were then undertaken; three each with homeless women (n = 24) and homeless service providers (n = 21). The selected EBI was adapted and pretested with homeless women (n = 9) and service providers (n = 6). The structured consensus group process provided great utility and affirmed the expertise of homeless women and service providers as experts in their domain. Engaging providers in the selection process reduced the structural barriers within agencies as obstacles to diffusion.

A case study of enhanced clinical care enabled by Aboriginal health research: the Hearing, EAr health and Language Services (HEALS) project

This study examined the effects of organizational culture on staff members' use of management information systems (N= 142) within homeless service organizations (N= 24), using a multilevel model. The Organizational Social Context Questionnaire was used to measure organizational culture, defined by three sub-constructs: (1) proficiency, (2) rigidity, and (3) resistance. Results showed that organizational effects were moderated by gender, with male staff members reporting increased use of the technology in organizations with higher proficiency levels. Female staff members' use was not affected by organizational culture. The study also found substantial variability in organizational culture among homeless service providers. Some scored low on rigidity and resistance but high on proficiency, whereas others scored high on proficiency but low on rigidity and resistance. Overall, the sample showed higher proficiency, resistance, and rigidity compared with a national sample of children's mental providers. Implications of these findings are discussed for implementation and evaluation of new technologies in homeless services. KEY WORDS: homeless services; multilevel modeling; organizational culture; technology ********** Approximately 1.6 million individuals sought homeless shelter services on any given night in the United States in 2008 (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development [HUD], 2009). In the 2009 fiscal year, U.S. Congress allocated $1.636 billion in Homeless Assistance Grants to HUD alone. Although the need to improve service effectiveness has long been recognized (HUD, 2009; North, Pollio, Perron, Eyrich, & Spitznagel, 2005; Wright, Rubin, & Devine, 1998), a dearth of research examining the organizations serving homeless individuals and families remains. The adoption of new technologies is critical to understanding the role of the organization. Many human service organizations are slow and resistant to adopt new technologies (Camlio, 2005; 2007; Fitch, 2005), yet the effectiveness of innovations is contingent upon how well organizations support their implementations (Glisson & Schoenwald, 2005). Moreover, organizational culture has been shown to influence technology implementation (Carrilio, Packard, & Clapp, 2003; Racine, 2006) and client outcomes (McCoy & Vila, 2002). The purpose of this study is to examine how organizational culture influences staff members' use of new technologies in homeless services to determine whether innovation dissemination is partly a function of organizational culture. HOMELESS SERVICES Research on homeless services typically focuses on clients and is derived from the premise that homeless persons face a unique constellation of problems (North et al., 2005), including co-occurring disabilities, limited social and familial connections, and a distrust of traditional social services (Wright et al., 1998). It is implied that these factors make it difficult for clients to access services. This assumption may be misleading, however. Studies of client utilization of services have shown that the availability of services, rather than client efforts to access the services, was a primary predictor of client utilization (North & Smith, 1993; Padgett, Struening, & Andrews, 1995). Homeless individuals have reported that pleasant staff members and surroundings are instrumental in helping them to remain in supportive housing (Padgett, Henwood, Abrams, & Davis, 2008). In addition, research has shown that organizational characteristics such as size and leadership affect care coordination (Calloway & Morrisey, 1998), service intensity (Sosin, 2001), and service use (North et al., 2005). In 1999, HUD introduced a new technology, homeless service information systems (HMISs), that facilitates the migration from paper-based to electronic work systems and is designed to improve the efficiency of service delivery and effectiveness of homeless interventions (HUD, 2007). …

Purpose - Small independent brands from local companies often use underdog positioning to compete with established global brands. However, whether the effectiveness of underdog positioning of local businesses in the service sector remains insufficient. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the underdog effect on the preference of Korean consumers for individual service providers positioned as underdogs.
 Design/methodology - The author examines the research question of this study using a one-way ANOVA in three different positioning (underdog vs. top dog vs. control) between-subjects design, with a group of Korean participants.
 Findings - The experimental study shows that support for independent local (vs. global) service providers positioned as underdogs is straightforward. Using the lens of consumer identification with underdog biographies, this study found that consumers prefer small local service providers with passion and determination regardless of their disadvantages.
 Originality/value - To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to examine the effectiveness of underdog positioning in the context of individual service providers. As it competes with global service companies for domestic consumer preference in Korea, the findings have great implications for ensuring the sustainability of small local service providers.

The custom hiring of the Versatile Multi-crop Planter (VMP) is a profitable enterprise for Local Service Providers (LSP) that could improve their household livelihood but the impacts have not yet been assessed in Bangladesh. In this study, we assessed the use pattern and profitability of custom-hiring the VMP, and its impacts on LSPs’ livelihood. A total of 18 LSP were purposively selected from Rajshahi, Thakurgaon, Mymensingh, and Rajbari districts for this study. The study revealed that LSPs effectively utilized VMP and 2-wheel tractor (2WT) for 4-6 months. They earned Tk. 1,42,434 (with incentive on VMP) and Tk. 1,36,134 (without incentive) per year as net income. The average payback periods were 0.72 and 0.98 years with and without incentive, respectively. The annual break-even of a VMP use was 7.79 ha. The LSPs reported a considerable cash (annual income increased by 34.9 %), and capital enhancement, e.g., land holdings (8.3 %), value of livestock (11.2 %), dwelling houses (36.6 %), household furniture (19 %), and modern amenities (45.5 %). The increased incomes from VMP custom hiring were mostly spent on nutritious food, land mortgage-in, and dwellings. The LSPs reported minor challenges such as being unable to use this machine in the wetland condition (61 %), no seating arrangement on the machine during operation in small plots (56 %), long time taken to complete sowing due to narrow planting width per pass (50 %), farmers’ skepticism about the planting machine as it is still new technology (44 %), and lack of skilled drivers (17 %). Financial support and technical assistance should be made available by the government for LSPs and local manufacturers to accelerate greater adoption of the VMP.
 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 44(3): 409-426, September 2019

Background: There is a growing body of evidence on the significant association between childhood exposure to adversity and increased risk of mental and physical ill health across the life-span. Integrating health and social care in Child and Family Hubs is a possible solution to earlier identification and support for adversity, however there is limited evidence on the most effective approach to designing integrated models of care in the child and family health service setting. Who is it for: This study focuses on the design of a child and family hub aimed at improving the identification of and integrated support for children and families living with adversity in Marrickville, Sydney, Australia, an area of cultural diversity and socio-economic disadvantage. Who we involved: This study aimed to inform Hub development by: (1) determining service provider and parent/caregiver-identified priority interventions to respond to children living with adversity and at risk of poor mental health outcomes; and (2) gaining an understanding of service provider and parent/caregiver experiences, priorities, barriers and facilitators to linkage with services and resources to address adversity. What did you do: Qualitative study employing individual semi-structured interviews with parents/primary caregivers (n=10) and intersectoral service providers (n=16). The findings of these interviews, as well as priority interventions identified in a previously conducted Delphi consensus study, were then used to inform nominal group technique (NGT) workshops (n=11) with parents/primary caregivers (n=14) and intersectoral service providers (n=20). Data were thematically analysed using framework analysis, which involved deductive and inductive coding; this was a collaborative and iterative process. Results: Six interventions were identified as highest priority for implementation at a Child and Family Hub: service mapping, service navigation, strengthening interagency participation, training in identification of adversity, ongoing workforce development, and a health justice partnership. Opportunities to better support clients in navigating community and health services, and increasing communication and collaboration between services emerged as priorities. This aligns with the six priority theme interventions identified, highlighting their importance and therefore emphasising the need for (i) helping people access services, (ii) encouraging service providers to work together, and (iii) better training in adversity. Learnings: This study provides an insight into the experiences, challenges and priorities of both caregivers and service providers in relation to forming a Child and Family Hub in existing community health services, including potential solutions to identified challenges. These findings highlight the importance of undertaking a collaborative design process to ensure initiatives are tailored to effectively fill service gaps and align with local community priorities. Hub models that are feasible and acceptable to local service users and providers are essential in the endeavour to promote early intervention into child and family mental health and wellbeing. Next steps: Further research with stakeholders experiencing language barriers, young parents, those with more than one child and male caregivers would be useful to provide insight into perspectives and priorities not captured in this study. Examination of the barriers and enablers to implementation and sustainability of locally designed hub models of care is also recommended.

BackgroundChild mental health disorders are a significant Australian public health issue with high prevalence rates compounded by inequitably higher rates for those living in families with lower income, lower levels of parental education, and higher levels of unemployment. Prevention and early intervention approaches are critical to address problems early. When caregivers seek information and services to support their child’s mental health needs, they commonly use many untested online search strategies. To address this, we developed a digital Child and Family eHub (eHub) prototype through a user-centered design process involving families experiencing adversity and local service providers. The eHub provides online navigation and evidence-based information for families and aims to increase equitable access to and use of (1) information and (2) the existing primary health, mental health, and social services system to improve mental health outcomes for caregivers with children aged 0-12 years. This protocol outlines how we will evaluate the eHub.ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, appropriateness, and preliminary impact of the eHub digital platform for caregivers of children aged 0-12 years, particularly those experiencing adversity. The evaluation will assess implementation outcomes, caregiver and child mental health outcomes, and help-seeking behaviors over a 6-month period.MethodsA prospective cohort of 270 caregivers of children aged 0-12 years will be recruited from 3 socioeconomically diverse Australian sites (Wyndham Vale in Victoria and Marrickville and Fairfield in New South Wales). Participants will be recruited through local community hubs, health and social service providers, and social media, and will enroll via the REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture; Vanderbilt University) survey platform. A mixed methods type 3 implementation impact evaluation will be undertaken, which tests an implementation strategy while observing and gathering information on the intervention’s impact on relevant outcomes. In this protocol, implementation will be assessed as a primary outcome using Proctor’s outcomes for the implementation framework, and secondary outcomes will include caregiver access and use of the eHub and associated child and parent mental health outcomes. Data will be collected at baseline and 6 months. Quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression models; repeated measures will be analyzed using generalized estimating equations. Qualitative data will be analyzed using framework analysis.ResultsThe study was funded in December 2021. Participant enrollment for the study began in February 2024, with participants involved in the eHub evaluation for 6 months.ConclusionsThe results of this study will be instrumental in refining the intervention for future scaling to other Australian sites. This study has the potential to offer an accessible, cost-effective, and scalable digital solution to improve service navigation and mental health outcomes for children and families experiencing adversity.Trial RegistrationISRCTN Registry ISRCTN49839991; https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN49839991International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/72548

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify and describe factors across the socio-ecological model that influence homeless service provision in Arizona, United States as identified by frontline and administrative homeless service providers. Methods: We employed a qualitative research design, starting with preliminary interviews with key informants (n=9) to help refine questions for focus group participation. We then held focus groups with homelessness service providers in front-line and administrative roles (n=58) across the state of Arizona. We used inductive thematic analysis to code and identify themes from the transcripts. The socio-ecological model was employed to help organize and interpret findings related to service barriers and facilitators within the homeless service system. Results: We used the socio-ecological model to categorize factors identified by providers that impacted homelessness service provision in Arizona across individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and policy levels. Service providers identified ten factors that impeded service delivery at the individual level (e.g., immigration status, substance use). At the interpersonal level, factors affecting service provision were impacted by what families with children needed, and landlords’ role in housing accessibility. Service capacity and staff turnover were organizational factors that limited services. At the community level, transportation and rurality were impeded adequate service provision. Policy factors included limited and restricted funding and narrow definitions of homelessness. Conclusions: Results from this study can provide insight on how current and proposed strategies to address homelessness align with factors and priorities identified by frontline and administrative providers. They also help identify opportunities for intervention, resources, and/or evaluation priorities.

Homelessness is a complex problem affecting Australian Indigenous women disproportionately compared to the rest of the Australian population. Homelessness service providers in Cairns and Mount Isa, Australia, provided their perceptions as to why Indigenous women were presenting to homeless services. The key reasons cited by service providers were: domestic violence; alcohol and other drugs; and financial hardship. Other reasons included racist real estate agents; avoiding alcohol and family; overcrowding; literacy and numeracy skills; difficulty returning home and; not enough public housing. Potential solutions to help break this cycle of homelessness are explored. This research suggests that an important overall goal in reducing homelessness is to ensure that Indigenous women are safe at home in their own communities.

This paper describes the pivotal journey of a local upstream service provider in transitioning its Quality Management System (QMS) from ISO 9001:2015 to API Q2:2021, with a specific focus on the upstream services sector within the petroleum industry. The primary objective of this transition was to align the company's QMS with international service standards, thereby enhancing its global competitiveness and service quality. This study offers a comprehensive examination of the strategic approaches employed, the inherent challenges confronted, and the significant benefits realized through this transition. Initially, our methodology entailed a thorough benchmarking of the existing QMS against the standards set by leading international service providers in the petroleum sector. This process involved a detailed gap analysis between the ISO 9001:2015 and API Q2:2021 standards to identify critical areas for improvement. The transition strategy was meticulously structured, encompassing comprehensive staff recruitment and training, process optimization, and rigorous internal audits. A key aspect of our approach was the active engagement with subject matter experts and stakeholders, ensuring our practices were in strict alignment with international standards. The implementation of this transition was executed through a series of iterative enhancements in our service delivery processes, with a relentless focus on aligning with the superior service quality norms of leading international players. The results from this transition were profoundly positive. We observed a 35% increase in compliance with global quality standards, coupled with an enhancement in customer satisfaction ratings. These improvements underscore the robust focus of API Q2:2021 on service quality and risk management, essential for matching international standards. The transition not only elevated the service quality of our local operations but also improved our global competitive position and recognition in the international market. Furthermore, the process instilled a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence among our staff. While ISO 9001:2015 lays a foundational framework for quality management, the adoption of API Q2:2021 is instrumental for local service providers in the petroleum industry to not only meet but exceed international service standards. This transition is pivotal in enhancing service quality and strategically positioning local service providers on the global map. Our study contributes significantly to the existing body of knowledge, providing a practical blueprint for similar organizations aspiring to elevate their service standards to meet international benchmarks in the petroleum industry.

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic laid bare some of the United States’ most devastating health and social inequities faced by people experiencing homelessness. Homeless populations experience disproportionate rates of underlying health conditions, stigma and marginalization that often disenfranchise them from health and social services, and living conditions that potentiate the risk of COVID-19 transmission and adverse outcomes.MethodsGuided by the socio-ecological model, this community-based participatory research study examined the impacts of the COVID-19 public health crisis on people experiencing homelessness in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, and the ways in which homeless service providers prepared for, experienced, and responded to the pandemic. Eighteen (18) semi-structured interviews were conducted with representatives of 15 community-based organizations, including shelters and other homeless service providers.ResultsQualitative content analysis revealed myriad challenges at the individual and interpersonal levels faced by people experiencing homelessness as a result of the pandemic, and multilevel responses for COVID-19 impact mitigation in this community. Many of the emergency measures put in place by homeless service providers in Tippecanoe County, Indiana created opportunities for innovative solutions to longstanding challenges faced by homeless populations that are informing better service delivery moving forward, even beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.ConclusionsCommunity-based organizations, including homeless shelters, are uniquely qualified to inform pandemic response and disaster risk mitigation in order to respond appropriately to the specific needs of people experiencing homelessness. The lessons learned and shared by homeless service providers on the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic have important implications to improve future disaster response for homeless and other vulnerable populations.

People experiencing homelessness are often the first and most severely affected group during disasters. Nonetheless, communities across the United States have frequently failed to adequately address the needs of homeless populations in disaster planning, response, and recovery. Communities must build multisector collaborative relationships and ensure that homeless service providers are adequately resourced. However, constraints in funding and staffing, combined with a lack of guidance about how to achieve an integrated approach to disaster planning for people experiencing homelessness, have hindered communities' ability to accomplish these goals. The US Department of Veterans Affairs, the US Department of Health and Human Services, and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development created an interagency workgroup to identify resources to help communities address the disaster needs of homeless populations. This workgroup created a toolkit to address this gap: Disaster Preparedness to Promote Community Resilience.This article describes the development of the toolkit. The toolkit is divided into 3 sections:Section 1 provides guidance to homeless service providers and government entities in identifying collaborative relationships to ensure that services are available to address homeless populations' disaster needs. Section 2 offers nonprofit homeless service providers guidance in creating their disaster response plans. Section 3 aims to ensure that public health officials and health care systems have the capacity to provide health care to homeless populations during disasters. Efforts are under way to develop a disaster preparedness training manual to assist nonprofit homeless service organizations. Homeless service providers are vital partners in disaster response. Integrating them into emergency management and ensuring that they are adequately prepared for disasters will effectively enable them to contribute their unique skill sets to community disaster recovery.

This study aimed to explore the perspectives of homelessness service providers on the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on service provision, barriers encountered and learning for the future. Semi‐structured online interviews were conducted with homelessness service providers (n = 15) identified through the network of homelessness services operating within the United Kingdom. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using framework technique. Six key themes were identified including the impact of the pandemic on health and well‐being of persons experiencing homelessness (PEH); the changing needs of service users during the pandemic; impact of emergency provision of housing support on services offered; service adaptations; sustainability of services and learnings from the pandemic. Participants described that being able to offer accommodation through government schemes provided protection to PEH through ‘wrap‐around support’. The pandemic was deemed to have precipitated change and developed resilience in some services. However, lack of resources, donations and sponsors during the pandemic constrained the services forcing many to close or offer reduced services. Reduced face‐to‐face contact with PEH and lack of ability to offer skills sessions led to the exacerbation of mental health concerns amongst clients. The pandemic was also identified to have encouraged positive relationship building between clients and service providers, better communications between service providers and effective housing of PEH. There is a need to address the barriers, sustain the positive learnings and enable organisations and PEH to adapt to the transition when transient and emergency support from the government and local councils ends.

Constant crisis management: service provider perspectives on adapting homeless resources for people who use drugs and alcohol.

BackgroundThere has been increasing recognition that certain vulnerable populations in the United States of America struggle to meet their menstruation-related needs, including people experiencing homelessness. Media and policy attention on this subject has focused on the provision of free menstrual products to vulnerable populations, including a New York City legislative bill, which guarantees access to menstrual products for Department of Homeless Services shelter residents (Intros 1123-A).MethodsThis qualitative study explored the challenges people experiencing homelessness in New York City face in accessing menstrual products. Data collection was conducted from June to August 2019 and included: Semi-structured key informant interviews with staff from relevant government agencies and homeless service providers (n = 15), and semi-structured in-depth interviews with individuals with experience living on the street and in shelters (n = 22). Data were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsKey themes that emerged included: (1) insufficient and inconsistent access to menstrual products; (2) systemic challenges to providing menstrual products; and (3) creative solutions to promote access to menstrual products. Both shelter- and street-living individuals reported significant barriers to accessing menstrual products. While both populations struggle, those in shelters were more likely to be able to purchase menstrual products or access free products at their shelter, while those living on the streets were more likely to have to resort to panhandling, theft, or using makeshift materials in place of menstrual products. Across both populations, individuals described barriers to accessing free products at shelters and service providers, primarily due to distribution systems that rely on gatekeepers to provide a few pads or tampons at a time, sometimes of inadequate quality and only upon request. Shelters and service providers also described challenges providing these products, including inconsistent supply.ConclusionThese findings highlight the critical importance of expanding and improving initiatives seeking to provide access to menstrual products for vulnerable populations. Despite policy level efforts to support menstrual product access, individuals experiencing homelessness in New York City, whether living in shelters or on the street, are often not able to access the menstrual products that they need to manage their monthly menstrual flow.