Loneliness in Homeless Participants of a Housing First Program: Outcomes of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract

People who are homeless are likely to experience loneliness. Housing First (HF) is a program aimed at providing home placement to homeless people who also have mental health and/or substance use-related problems. The current study was performed to assess feelings of loneliness among participants of a HF program. A randomized controlled trial was performed comparing participants in two groups, HF (n = 46) and treatment as usual (n = 41). No significant differences regarding loneliness between groups were noted at baseline (p = 0.841), 8-month follow up (p = 0.509), or 21-month follow up (p = 0.833); however, participants with severe mental illness reported higher feelings of loneliness at the 8-month assessment than at baseline. This increase was higher in HF participants. These findings are partially consistent with previous research and are of relevance for providers, policy makers, and teams working with HF programs. Findings indicate the need to address feelings of loneliness in this population. Further research is needed to ascertain the effectiveness of HF programs on loneliness. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 59(3), 44-51.].