Religion’s roles in community integration after homelessness: supportive housing residents’ uses of spiritual practices amid trauma, discrimination, and stigma

Abstract

Background: Integration into a community after homelessness, while often difficult, can foster positive outcomes such as housing retention and improved health. However, research has understudied the roles of spiritual practices in community integration after homelessness. Methods: We conducted a grounded analysis of these processes using qualitative interviews with 27 supportive housing residents in Miami. Results: Even after moving into supportive housing, many of our interviewees grappled with long-term impacts of trauma, discrimination, and stigma, which oftentimes prevented them from joining conventional congregations. While some turned to solitary prayer, others used strategies such as joining alternative congregations, creating new locations of practice, and using technology to sustain social ties and a sense of belonging. Conclusion: We argue that researchers, supportive housing providers, congregation leaders, and administrators should pay more attention to barriers and strategies that impact residents’ ability to practice spirituality in ways that meet existential, emotional, and social needs.