"Millionaire Murrays": A qualitative study of formerly homeless veterans who became economically successful.

Abstract

There have been many clinical anecdotes and empirical studies of homeless individuals who incur high costs for health care, social services, and criminal justice systems, hence the term "Million-Dollar Murray." This study examined individuals who have exited homelessness and have become extremely economically successful, whom we call "Millionaire Murrays." After a national recruitment effort, we conducted a qualitative study of formerly homeless veterans who became extremely economically successful. Semistructured interviews were conducted with eight participants to understand their life experiences with homelessness and eventual success beyond housing stability. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using matrix analysis with qualitative techniques. Five overarching themes emerged: Developing Resilience Early, Hitting Rock Bottom, Defining Success Subjectively, Footholds to Success, and Inspiration and Advice. The findings demonstrate that through a combination of internal and external factors, great economic success is possible in this population. Services should strive to provide more than housing and clinical stability to encourage human flourishing. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).