‘Making a home’: an occupational perspective on sustaining tenancies following homelessness

Abstract

Tenancy sustainment is fundamental to a sustainable exit from homelessness. Although growing attention has been placed on housing outcomes, there is limited research on the maintenance of a settled home following homelessness. The aim of this study was to understand the process for individuals as they transitioned from services to sustained tenancies from an occupational science perspective. A constructivist grounded theory study was conducted with people who had experienced multiple exclusion homelessness. Interviews using reflexive photography were carried out with individuals (N = 29) from three cities in the UK and Ireland. ‘Making a home’ was the core process identified in tenancy sustainment. It highlighted the significance of everyday activities and routines in enabling participants to personalise the tenancy, develop their identity as tenants, and maintain daily routines and roles to support it. An occupational perspective can enhance understanding of tenancy sustainment following homelessness.