Reasons For Homelessness Research Articles

Homeless persons readmitted to an urban state hospital.

This survey revealed that staff perceptions about the reasons for homelessness among recidivists were basically correct. However, it found that all recidivists, even those with stable housing, did not comply well with aftercare plans. In their stories of how they became homeless, the patients expressed strong desires for autonomy and independence, which were thwarted by economic factors. Finally, low compliance with aftercare suggests the need for continuity of care for recidivists as well as the need to educate both them and their families about the management of mental illness and utilization of treatment resources.

Homeless women and their families: Characteristics, life circumstances, and needs

This study investigated the needs of a sample of 100 women from shelters for the homeless in Richmond, Virginia. The women's responses to a 117-item interview were used to obtain information regarding their domicilary status, work history, educational background, family and health history, social support, reasons for homelessness, and social service needs. The results indicated that a significant number of the women had moved as many as six times within the past five years for various reasons, including domestic violence, interpersonal conflict, overcrowding, and eviction. Many women were high school graduates and had job skills in the health care, educational, and clerical fields. Most women were raised by their natural or extended family and the majority of them had a friend or family member who provided social support. Identified needs included housing, food, clothing, and transportation. The needs of homeless women and their children were different from the needs of the homeless chronically mentally ill and require specialized services as well as an increase in the available number of low-income housing units.