The Process of Restabilization for Mother-Headed Homeless Families: How Social Workers Can Help

Abstract

ABSTRACT Although homelessness among mother-headed families has been increasing steadily in recent years, little is known about how such families successfully emerge from homelessness. This study addresses this gap by exploring the process by which mother-headed homeless families become stably rehoused through interviews with ten formerly homeless mothers. The grounded theory method of qualitative research, including constant comparison data analysis techniques, was used. Findings indicate a three stage process of restabilization: Meeting Immediate Family Needs (locating shelter, maintaining parental role, keeping up morale, and preserving stability); Creating a New Home (managing cash flow, addressing personal and interpersonal problems, locating and furnishing the new home); and Maintaining Family Stability (managing finances, managing ongoing personal and interpersonal problems, and reestablishing family relationships). Social workers have a major role to play in helping families successfully navigate these stages, and specific implications for social work practice with homeless mothers and their families are discussed.