Abstract
Homelessness is an ongoing social challenge effecting women in unique ways. The purpose of this research study was to understand a network of health and social services accessed by women experiencing homelessness, and how individuals successfully or unsuccessfully navigated these services. Data were collected utilizing a participatory application of the PhotoVoice method, grounded in a critical feminist intersectional perspective. Six women with lived experience of homelessness were recruited from a drop-in centre to participate in the six-week project. Through photo-taking, group discussions, arts-based dialogue, and individual interviews, themes were developed around women’s navigation of services and experiences of homelessness. A constant comparative method of thematic analysis was utilized so that themes could evolve iteratively and collaboratively with both the research team reflecting independently on qualitative data, and the women reflecting collaboratively on the data. Themes generated included: On the Margins; Feeling at Home; Mighty Women; Safety; Creating Home; and Whenever, Wherever. It is recommended that: 1) Communities keep developing more safe and affordable housing; 2) Government investments in homelessness include a general gender lens; 3) Women have access to 24-hour safe spaces; 4) Participatory research methodologies add valuable knowledge for women experiencing homelessness; and 5) Service providers be trained in trauma and violenceinformed care.
Highlights
Homelessness has become a persistent social challenge in developed and developing nations (OECD Affordable Housing Database, 2017; Tipple & Speak, 2009)
Since the 1980s, when mass homelessness in Canada emerged subsequent to a federal divestment in affordable housing, those experiencing homelessness have changed from being a majority of older single men, to a diverse mix including women, families, and youth (Gaetz, Dej, Richter & Redman, 2016)
Research has shown that both pathways into and experiences of homelessness are gendered (Thurston, et al, 2013; YWCA Canada, 2016)
Summary
Homelessness has become a persistent social challenge in developed and developing nations (OECD Affordable Housing Database, 2017; Tipple & Speak, 2009). Since the 1980s, when mass homelessness in Canada emerged subsequent to a federal divestment in affordable housing, those experiencing homelessness have changed from being a majority of older single men, to a diverse mix including women, families, and youth (Gaetz, Dej, Richter & Redman, 2016). A lack of a permanent, safe, and affordable home is the common factor in Journal of Social Inclusion, 10(1), 2019 homelessness (Johnson, Gronda & Coutts, 2008) diverse populations experience homelessness differently. Women’s homelessness is typically more hidden and involves insecure or transient housing situations (e.g. abusive relationships, couch surfing) (YWCA Canada, 2013), creating challenges in accurately enumerating homelessness. Counts that incorporate sources beyond emergency shelters typically find women make up 35-40% of homeless populations
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
