Structural and Personal Factors Related to Access to Housing and Housing Stability among Urban Drug Users in Hartford, Connecticut

Abstract

Several policies criminalizing drug use significantly impact drug users' access to housing. This article explores the impact of housing policies on active drug users' access to housing and structural and personal factors related to their homelessness and housing stability. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 65 active cocaine or heroin users at baseline, three and six months. Participants were purposively sampled to reflect a variety of housed and homeless statuses. Interviews were analyzed to explore the processes associated with changes in housing status. Factors that led to homelessness included arrest, eviction, absence of housing subsidies, and lack of social support. Participants reported being evicted, and losing housing subsidies, welfare entitlements, and important social relationships following arrest. Criminal histories also limited their ability to find employment and permanent housing. Factors that led to housing stability included having family support, housing subsidies, and social supportive services. Active drug users can maintain independent housing when provided appropriate structural supports including rental subsidies and social services. But arrest disrupts drug users' housing stability. Programs to appropriately house those released from jail could help decrease homelessness among this population.