Shelter Policies Research Articles

VIOLÊNCIA DOMÉSTICA E O ACOLHIMENTO FEMININO: A IMPORTÂNCIA DAS CASAS DE APOIO PARA MULHERES VÍTIMAS

This study addresses the issue of domestic violence against women, highlighting the role of shelters in Amazonas as essential instruments in breaking the cycle of violence. The general objective is to analyse how these institutions contribute to the protection and recovery of victims, providing comprehensive support that promotes their autonomy and security. The methodology applied is based on a theoretical and practical analysis of the functioning of shelters, assessing legislative aspects and their application in the state of Amazonas. The research reveals that sheltering offers a safe and structured environment where women receive psychological, legal, and social support, significantly contributing to breaking the violence cycle and rebuilding self-esteem. The results indicate that, beyond providing shelter, these facilities offer multidimensional support that helps victims understand their rights and develop the confidence necessary to break ties with the aggressor. The conclusions reinforce the importance of these shelters within the women's protection system, suggesting the need to improve shelter policies to fully ensure victims’ rights to safety and dignity. Expanding resources and continuous team training are recommended to ensure shelters in Amazonas can provide even more effective assistance to women in vulnerable situations.

“I’d Probably Just Ride it Out”: Hurricane Plans and Decision Making Among Men Experiencing Homelessness in Central Florida

Drawing on field interviews, this study examines hurricane plans among men experiencing homelessness in Central Florida. Specifically, we demonstrate how shelter policies contribute to homeless shelter aversion leading some participants’ to assert that they are better off riding out hurricanes alone in tents or makeshift shelters. Secondly, we examine how past experiences contribute to a sense of self-efficacy among participants, which may lead them to perceive tents and improvised shelters as providing adequate shelter. This article builds on Kusenbach’s research on hurricane plans among mobile home residents, arguing that socially marginalized populations assess risk and vulnerability based on experience and socio-cultural context.

Rational choice? choosing the street over the shelter

ABSTRACT Introduction In this paper, we explore how individuals experiencing homelessness decide whether or not to use the available shelters in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. From a rational choice perspective, we explored the justifications of individuals who opt out of the shelter system. Method We conducted a thematic analysis of data gathered from six focus groups with 44 participants (16 women and 28 men). Result Almost all of the focus group participants had sought access to the shelter on one or more occasions. All focus group participants stated they would use the shelters if they were accessible, safe, and clean. Most participants asserted that the shelter lacked enough beds, did not provide needed services, and was unsafe and unsanitary. Negative experiences at the shelter also influenced their decisions, especially disrespectful or abusive treatment by shelter staff or the perception that the shelter's policies were unreasonable. They proposed better choices, such as camping sites or tiny houses. Conclusion Focus group participants recognized that these changes to the shelter system or access to other choices must happen through the local government and asserted that they needed community members to advocate for them.

"I don't think of it as a shelter. I say I'm going home": a qualitative evaluation of a low-threshold shelter for women who use drugs.

In 2021-2022, encampments in a downtown Boston neighborhood reached record heights, increasing the visibility of drug use and homelessness in the city. In response, the city planned a "sweep" (i.e., eradication of encampments) and requested support from social services and medical providers to pilot low-threshold shelters. Low-threshold shelters reduce barriers to staying in traditional congregate shelters with more flexible regulations, longer-term bed assignments, and secured storage for contraband (e.g., drugs, weapons) instead of forced disposal. One homeless service provider opened a harm reduction-focused shelter for women who use drugs. This report describes the low-threshold shelter design and program evaluation. This program evaluation had two primary aims: (1) to examine guests' beliefs about shelter policies and practices; and (2) to understand the staff's experiences working in a low-threshold model. We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 16 guests and 12 staff members during the summer 2022. Interviews were thematically analyzed. Guests expressed overwhelming approval for the shelter's policies, which they stated supported their autonomy, dignity, and safety. They emphasized the staff's willingness to build relationships, thus demonstrating true commitment to the guests. Guests highlighted the value of daytime access to the shelter, as it granted them autonomy over their time, reduced their substance use, and helped them build relationships with staff and other guests. The co-directors and staff designed the shelter quickly and without US models for reference; they turned to international literature, local harm reduction health care providers, and women living in encampments for guidance on the shelter policies. The staff were passionate and committed to the health and stability of the guests. Most staff found value in the low-threshold model, though some were challenged by it, believing it enabled drug use and did not require the guests to "get better." This evaluation indicates the value of low-threshold, harm reduction shelters as alternatives to traditional models. While these shelters do not mitigate the need for overarching housing reform, they are important measures to meet the needs of women experiencing unsheltered homelessness who face intersectional oppression.

Perception versus Policy: Which Is More Important to Animal Welfare Volunteer Satisfaction?

There is a large body of work spanning decades examining the factors that lead to volunteer satisfaction. Much of this work has employed self-administered surveys to gather volunteers' opinions or perceptions of factors important for satisfaction which inherently lie within the individual volunteer. Yet scholars have raised concerns about the validity of studies based on perceptions. This research builds on past work by the author by pairing a survey of animal welfare volunteers with one conducted with the executive directors of the shelters they volunteer with, addressing concerns about the validity of self-administered surveys. It concludes that perceptions appear to conform well to actual policies as described by shelter directors but that volunteer perceptions are most important for satisfaction. Volunteers whose perceptions of shelter policies differ from shelter director reports of policies are more likely to be dissatisfied with their experiences. The findings are critical to animal sheltering because they point to the importance of volunteer perceptions of shelter policies for satisfaction. To retain volunteers, animal welfare organizations need to be concerned about actual policies but also about volunteer perceptions of them.

Low prevalence of current and past SARS-CoV-2 infections among visitors and staff members of homelessness services in Amsterdam at the end of the second wave of infections in the Netherlands.

People experiencing homelessness (PEH) may be at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe COVID-19. The Dutch government established emergency shelters and introduced preventive measures for homelessness services. There were no major SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks noticed among PEH during the first two waves of infections. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of current and past infections among PEH and staff by conducting an on-site COVID-19 screening project at homelessness services in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. We assessed the proportion of visitors and staff members of four homelessness services at two locations in Amsterdam with positive SARS-CoV-2 qPCR and antibody results (IgG/IgM Rapid Test/Biozek) in May 2021. We also assessed sociodemographic, clinical and lifestyle characteristics, compliance with basic prevention measures and intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 among PEH and staff. A total of 138 visitors and 53 staff members filled out a questionnaire and were tested. Among PEH, the SARS-CoV-2 positivity rate was 0% (0/133;95%CI = 0-1.9) and the antibody positivity rate was 1.6% (2/131;95%CI = 0.8-7.5) among those without prior COVID-19 vaccination. Among staff, these percentages were 3% (1/32;95%CI = 0.1-16.2) and 11% (5/53;95%CI = 3.6-23.6), respectively. Most participants were often compliant with the basic preventive measures 'not shaking hands', 'wearing a face mask' and 'washing hands', but not with 'physical distancing'. High vaccination intent was more common among staff members (55%) than among visitors (42%), while high trust in the governmental COVID-19 policies was more common among visitors (41%) than among staff (30%). We observed a low prevalence of past and current SARS-CoV-2 infections among PEH, which may be explained by instated shelter policies, limited daily activities of PEH and compliance with prevention measures. Vaccine hesitancy and mistrust among visitors and staff could hinder vaccination uptake, suggesting that interventions towards homelessness services are needed.

"They Knew They Were Still Safe with Us": Experiences of Domestic Violence Shelter Staff on Survivors' Experiences in Shelter in the Early COVID-19 Pandemic.

Domestic violence (DV) shelters are an essential service for survivors and their children. While research has demonstrated global increases in DV during COVID-19, little is known about the experiences of DV shelter staff. This study aimed to understand DV shelter staff's experiences and how they navigated the early stages of the pandemic. Researchers disseminated a cross-sectional online survey, first to state DV coalitions and then directly to DV shelters. Univariate and bivariate analyses were used for multiple-choice items, and patterns were identified using thematic analysis for open-ended responses. Survey participants included 368 DV staff (180 leadership, 167 direct services, and 21 other roles) from 48 states. They reported little change to their schedules and mixed feelings of shelter preparedness for the pandemic. Participants described shelter methods for preventing the spread of COVID-19, changes in shelter policies and satisfaction with such policies, and the impacts of the pandemic on themselves and survivors. Balancing survivor autonomy with the health and safety of staff and other residents proved to be one of the most consistently challenging tasks. Participants also described how programs adapted to changing regulations and continued to serve survivors throughout this challenging time. Several innovative practices were implemented by staff throughout the pandemic, including expansions in technology use and non-residential services. Most reported feeling prepared for a similar crisis in the future. We offer five recommendations for DV shelters and their funders, including increased mental health support for staff and greater transparency in policies for both shelter residents and staff.

Experiences of LGBTQ Adults Who Have Accessed Emergency Shelters in a Large Urban City in Canada

ABSTRACT This study examines the experiences of adults who identify as LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) and who have accessed emergency shelters in an urban Canadian city. Twenty LGBTQ adults who were currently or formerly homeless participated in one qualitative interview. The interview protocol included questions on the participants’ experiences accessing emergency shelters, with a focus on interactions with other emergency shelter residents. Data was analyzed using an iterative coding process. The results demonstrated that participants engage in various identity management strategies and encounter both positive and negative interactions with other emergency shelter residents. The results are discussed in terms of strategies to improve emergency shelter policies to be more inclusive of LGBTQ adults.

Recommendations for Implementing Hepatitis C Virus Care in Homeless Shelters: The Stakeholder Perspective.

Compared with the general population, homeless individuals are at higher risk of hepatitis C infection (HCV) and may face unique barriers in receipt of HCV care. This study sought the perspectives of key stakeholders toward establishing a universal HCV screening, testing, and treatment protocol for individuals accessing homeless shelters. Four focus groups were conducted with homeless shelter staff, practice providers, and social service outreach workers (n = 27) in San Francisco, California, and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Focus groups evaluated key societal, system, and individual‐level facilitators and barriers to HCV testing and management. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed thematically. The societal‐level barriers identified were lack of insurance, high‐out‐of‐pocket expenses, restriction of access to HCV treatment due to active drug and/or alcohol use, and excessive paperwork required for HCV treatment authorization from payers. System‐level barriers included workforce constraints and limited health care infrastructure, HCV stigma, low knowledge of HCV treatment, and existing shelter policies. At the individual level, client barriers included competing priorities, behavioral health concerns, and health attitudes. Facilitators at the system level for HCV care service integration in the shelter setting included high acceptability and buy in, and linkage with social service providers. Conclusion: Despite societal, system, and individual‐level barriers identified with respect to the scale‐up of HCV services in homeless shelters, there was broad support from key stakeholders for increasing capacity for the provision of HCV services in shelter settings. Recommendations for the scale‐up of HCV services in homeless shelter settings are discussed.

Critical discourse analysis of policies impacting the intersection of health and experiences of intimate partner violence for rural women in Ontario, Canada.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) impacts approximately one quarter of Canadian women, and services provided to support women are heavily influenced by policy. Policy sets the stage and tone for action in all sectors. To date, there have been no critical discourse analyses examining how provincial, hospital, and women's shelter policies intersect and impact women in rural communities. A critical discourse analysis using a case study of one rural community in south-western Ontario was undertaken by a multisectoral team of researchers using a critical, feminist, intersectional lens. The selected policies were (1) Domestic Violence Action Plan for Ontario (ODVAP), (2) the rural women's shelter policy, and (3) the hospital policy. The internal analysis of the policies revealed that ODVAP focused on societal solutions to violence requiring cross-sectoral cooperation with a focus on marginalized populations, whereas the rural shelter policy focused on creating a philosophical orientation to underpin their work with clients. There was no formal hospital policy related to the provision of services for women who have experienced violence. The policies revealed a disconnect between the stated goals and the specifics concerning how the policies would come together to achieve these goals. Obstacles such as having no clear link for how ODVAP and the shelter policy would work together, idealization of training but a lack of specificity on what training would be useful, and the requirement of affirmative action on the part of women to engage with services functioned as a means to maintain the status quo, that is, working in a siloed approach to care. Integrative systems are important for women who have experienced IPV given the wide range of health, social, and economic consequences of violence. Policy alignment is important for women who have experienced or are experiencing IPV, particularly in rural contexts where services are fraught with additional barriers.

Navigating peer-influences in a large youth homeless shelter in North America

BackgroundThis study explored how youth who reside in a large youth homeless shelter in North America view and navigate peer-influences in the shelter. Research shows that peer influences in the lives of youth experiencing homelessness are both a risk factor and a protective factor. In order to inform the development of shelter policies and interventions that reduce and contain peer influences that put the residents at risk while cultivating peer support and cohesion, a better understanding of the residents’ views and insights regarding peer-influences is needed. MethodsInterviews (n = 27) were conducted with residents (aged 18–24) of a youth homeless shelter. Following a semi-structured open-ended interview guide, respondents were asked questions related to program outcomes and their experiences within the shelter that support those outcomes. One dominant factor emerging from the interview data analysis was the central role played by peer relationships and influences. ResultsThe residents described the shelter as housing two kinds of peer interactions. Perceived as positive peers’ influences were described as pivotal for successfully transitioning into stable, sustainable housing. Perceived as negative peer influences, on the other hand, were described as a significant risk for one’s wellbeing and trajectory. The interviewees disclosed strategies for navigating peer influences in the shelter, such as withdrawing from any social involvement with the other residents or only allowing for shallow ephemeral friendships, as well as some of the challenges involved, such as the difficulty to sever relationships with peers one came to perceive as negative.

Successful Rules Reduction Implementation Process in Domestic Violence Shelters: From Vision to Practice.

Domestic violence (DV) shelters provide safety for survivors to consider their options and heal from abuse. Unfortunately, survivors have reported negative experiences associated with shelter rule enforcement. Rules, such as curfew, decreased access to community social networks; and staff's rule enforcement may trigger survivors' past experiences with abusive control and structural racism. Rule enforcement may deter safe, trusting relationships between staff and residents. Statewide DV coalitions have been innovation leaders in shelter rules reduction efforts over the past decade. Seven DV shelter directors and coalition trainers with expertise implementing reduced-rule shelter models were interviewed for this study. Interview data were then analyzed using modified constructivist grounded theory methods. A three-stage implementation process emerged from the data. The initial stage highlighted efforts to create an organizational vision rooted in shared values. Shelters then intentionally focused on enhancing organizational capacity through staff development and team building. Third, rule-reduction practices were enacted through specific shelter policies and staff practices. Findings have broader implications for social work organizations also implementing anti-oppressive, survivor-centered, trauma-informed approaches, as this process involves considerable intention, training, and resources beyond services as usual. Social workers can support these efforts through student training, program development, and research efforts.

Community mapping and data gathering for city planning in the Philippines

This paper describes the community-driven mapping and data gathering in informal settlements in cities in the Philippines and the valuable basis this provides to inhabitants for working with local governments, contributing to city planning and decision making. This process, supported by the Homeless People’s Federation of the Philippines, also provides communities with opportunities to think through their priorities. Background information on the federation and other key national and local actors is followed by a description of the mapping and data gathering process in Muntinlupa City and its contribution to the creation of plans and proposals, and to the networks and partnerships that are key to their implementation. The paper then outlines the federation’s experience with mapping and data gathering in informal settlements in Valenzuela City, Intramuros in Manila, Davao City and Iloilo City. It discusses the challenges and possibilities for supporting this process on a larger scale, including developing the capacity to change cities’ shelter policies and land-use management.

Rhode Island Domestic Violence Shelter Policies, Practices, and Experiences Pertaining to Survivors With Opioid Use Disorder: Results of a Qualitative Study.

The purpose of this study was to fill a gap in the existing research by exploring policies and practices of domestic violence shelters in one US state pertaining to clients with opioid use disorders (OUDs), as well as documenting some of their experiences providing services to those clients. We used semi-structured key informant interviews to gather information about Rhode Island shelter practices and policies pertaining to OUD-relevant topics and make meaning of shelter workers’ experiences with clients with OUDs. One researcher conducted all 30-min, telephone interviews. Qualitative data were analyzed using a content-based analysis approach. The open-ended interview questions yielded information that clustered in the following three main themes: (1) existing shelter policies and practices; (2) staff training on OUDs; and (3) ideas for improvement. Intimate partner violence (IPV) service providers reported that OUD is an issue that affects their clientele, creates problems for both IPV survivors and for staff who are helping them heal from IPV, and causes concerns about the safety of children and other shelter residents who may be housed with individuals with OUDs. Participants reported a range of policies and practices related to how IPV survivors with OUDs are served by their programs. They also offered multiple possible improvements that could be made to IPV survivor programming. Among their suggestions were the establishment of long-term housing, hiring substance use disorder specialists to work in IPV shelters, and improving interagency relationships between IPV programs, child protection services, and substance use disorder treatment providers. Some close-ended interview questions permitted calculations about the percentage of programs that had particular policies in place. For example, of the six programs, 50% (n = 3) reported that they keep naloxone on site. Only one of the six programs (18%) reported that they have a protocol for disposing of unused opioids, medications for OUD, or drug paraphernalia if it is found at the shelter. Additional data about the prevalence of OUDs among the IPV shelter population is needed, as are in-depth analyses of barriers and facilitators to OUD treatment for IPV survivors.

Keeping Pets Safe in the Context of Intimate Partner Violence

The connection between intimate partner violence (IPV) and abuse against animals is becoming well-documented. Women consistently report that their pets have been threatened or harmed by their abuser, and many women delay leaving abusive relationships out of concern for their pets. Shelters are often faced with limited resources, and it can be difficult to see how their mandate to assist women fleeing IPV also includes assistance to their companion animals. Through surveys with staff from 17 IPV shelters in Canada, the current study captures a snapshot of the shelter policies and practices regarding companion animals. The study explores staff’s own relationships with pets and exposure to animal abuse, as well as how these experiences relate to support for pet safekeeping programs, perceived barriers, and perceived benefits for the programs. Policy implications for IPV service agencies include asking clients about concerns about pet safety, clear communication of agency policies regarding services available for pet safekeeping, and starting a conversation at the agency level on how to establish a pet safekeeping program in order to better meet the needs of women seeking refuge from IPV.

Empowerment in a Bureaucracy? Survivors’ Perceptions of Domestic Violence Shelter Policies and Practices

Ten qualitative focus groups were conducted with 31 survivors of domestic violence living at an emergency shelter to study survivors’ perceptions of whether shelter policies and practices felt empowering or restrictive. Five themes emerged: (1) shelter monitoring and privacy; (2) transportation and mobility; (3) managing chores, cleaning, and shopping; (4) relationships with staff; and (5) feelings around leaving the shelter. Themes were shaped by larger economic and social forces, including (1) financial constraints and (2) the bureaucratization and professionalization of the shelter system that led to hierarchical relations between staff and residents. Recommendations for improving shelter experiences are addressed.

The Association Between Shelter Rules and Psychosocial Outcomes Among Homeless Youth Residing in Family Shelters.

Despite growing numbers of homeless youth living in shelters with caregivers, little research has explored the impact of the shelter environment on emotional well-being. As such, this study assesses the relationship between shelter rules and two psychosocial outcomes among youth in New York City family shelters. Additionally, the direct effect of trauma and the moderating effect of difficulty following shelter rules on psychosocial outcomes was assessed. Youth with difficulty following shelter rules reported significantly more depressive symptoms, but less substance use. Trauma was found to be associated with increased depression and substance use. Difficulty following shelter rules was found to moderate the association between trauma and substance use. Recommendations for future interventions and the creation of shelter policies are discussed.

Is innovative also effective? A critique of pro-poor shelter in South-East Asia

As developing Asia transforms under neoliberalism and decentralisation, urban inequality and housing deprivation are deepening. Are contemporary shelter innovations for the poor in developing Asia effective? How? Why? These questions lead this paper to qualitatively critique and compare four innovative shelter programmes from Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines. Here, innovative implies an enlargement of the roles of local governments and/or other stakeholders in shelter delivery. The analysis illuminates how the historical evolution of institutions affects a programme's institutional arrangements; which, with other contextual idiosyncrasies, impact objectives and outcomes. The paper posits scalability, habitability, affordability, accessibility and inclusivity as dimensions of effectiveness. It finds that under neoliberal influences shelter policy's pro-poor focus is shrinking. Albeit context-specific, the outcomes reveal key influential commonalities: (1) multi-stakeholder arrangements with non-state partners are more effective; (2) greater civil society and community participation yield more equity; (3) strong leadership by some institutional partner is imperative; (4) private sector involvement can significantly boost scaling-up. The findings offer lessons for improving pro-poor shelter policies and suggest future research needs and pathways.

Evaluation of Health on a Budget: A Health Promotion Program for Women Experiencing Homelessness

In 2015, the researcher created "Health on a Budget," a five-session health promotion class to empower homeless women to live heathier lives on a budget. After enhancing the curriculum using the theory of planned behavior (Ajzen, 1991), the researcher reintroduced the program in 2016 and evaluated its effectiveness.
 The researcher worked with stakeholders to identify key topics: health literacy in nutrition, portion control, cooking, exercise, and oral and foot hygiene. The researcher created objectives, lesson plans, and evaluation surveys that aligned with the theory of planned behavior. At the conclusion of each session, participants completed a survey that determined the completion of the objectives. Ten women residing at the Center for Transforming Lives shelter in Fort Worth participated in "Health on a Budget" in 2016. As a whole, the participants met all of the knowledge objectives, 80% of the attitude objectives, 80% of the behavioral intention objectives, 40% of perceived behavioral control objectives, and 20% of subjective norm objectives. Overall, the program had the greatest effect on the participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and intentions to perform healthy behaviors. The program was well-received by the participants, and the shelter stakeholders were very pleased with the program development and outcomes. Although the participants met most of the objectives, it is unclear if the women will take the knowledge they have and use it to change their day-to-day behaviors because of the complexity of their environment and circumstances. Changing shelter policies to improve the food environment and the nutritional content of the food would be more effective in promoting the health behaviors of residents in the short term. In the long term, the provision of stable housing would allow women to begin improving their physical, mental, and emotional health through programs like "Health on a Budget."

Towards Habitat III: Confronting the disjuncture between global policy and local practice on Africa's ‘challenge of slums’

The ‘challenge of slums’ is a global challenge, but particularly acute in Sub-Saharan Africa where in 2001 71.9% of the urban population lived in slums. This article reviews the housing programmes of a selected number of African countries (Angola, Namibia, Ethiopia and South Africa) to argue that while until recently African shelter policies at least in name continued to be mostly in line with international enabling and participatory approaches to dealing with the challenge of slums, in practice mass scaled supply-driven approaches to housing provision are on the rise. The article situates this practice historically and seeks to provide insight into some of the perceptions and factors that have underpinned and enabled its emergence. While noting a number of shortcomings of this supply-driven approach, it concludes that with Habitat III on the horizon it is important to confront the disjuncture between global policy and local practice in African cities.