Variables associated with higher community integration among permanent supportive housing residents

Abstract

ABSTRACT Few studies have used a framework for exploring a broad range of resident characteristics, housing, and service use features that might increase community integration among permanent supportive housing (PSH) residents who have lived in scattered-site or single-site PSH for 6 months to 5+ years. This study is original in identifying predisposing, enabling, and need factors associated with higher community integration among PSH residents. PSH residents from Quebec (Canada) were recruited through 25 housing organizations between January 2020 and April 2022. Structured interviews using numerous standardized scales were conducted, each lasting about 90 minutes. Based on the Gelberg-Andersen Behavioral Model, independent variables, measured mostly within 12 months of the interview, were categorized into predisposing, need, and enabling factors. Multivariate linear regression analysis was produced on community integration. Those experiencing moderate to severe psychological distress and having more unmet needs had lower community integration scores. Conversely, residents in single-site PSH located in neighborhoods with good physical conditions and high collective effectiveness, and those who received more outpatient services showed better community integration. Enhancing intergovernmental collaboration to develop high-quality PSH in well-maintained neighborhoods, focusing on socialization and community participation, especially for scattered-site PSH residents, may contribute to improved community integration.