Transitional Housing Research Articles

The Importance of Positive Social Support During Reentry From Prison: Examining the Role of Volunteer Mentoring.

Social support appears to be important in improving outcomes for incarcerated individuals during the reentry process not only in terms of general wellbeing but also in gaining employment and avoiding recidivism. Mentoring programs have become increasingly popular interventions that are intended to provide such support during reentry. However, research on mentoring programs is limited and tends to focus solely on the programs' impact on recidivism, a distal outcome. Through the use of semi-structured, in-depth interviews, this qualitative study focuses on more proximal outcomes, exploring how reentering individuals who are receiving volunteer mentoring through a transitional housing program define successful reentry and perceive the value of different types of support they received from their mentors. Participants identified several indicators of successful reentry and discussed the types of support that were helpful, harmful, or absent. Implications for practice and areas for future research are discussed.

Rural Families Experiencing Homelessness: Demographics, Program Design, Outcome of High Barrier Transitional Housing and Rehabilitation Program

Rural Families Experiencing Homelessness: Demographics, Program Design, Outcome of High Barrier Transitional Housing and Rehabilitation Program

Qualitative findings from a Housing First evaluation project for homeless Veterans in Canada

LAY SUMMARY This two-year study implemented a Housing First approach among homelessness services for Veterans in four cities across Canada (Victoria, Calgary, London, and Toronto). This approach included peer support and harm reduction resources for Veterans. To obtain a detailed evaluation of personal experiences and opinions, focus groups were held with Veterans, housing staff, and stakeholders at three time points during the study: July-September 2012, May-June 2013, and January 2014. Harm reduction and peer support were regarded as positive aspects of this new approach to housing and homelessness. It was suggested that greater mental health support, support from peers with military experience, and issues regarding roommates should be considered in future implementations of housing services for Veterans. It was also noted that to support personal stabilization, permanent housing is preferred over transitional or temporary housing. Future housing programs serving Veterans experiencing homelessness should consider the addition of harm reduction and peer support to further enhance services and help maintain housing stability.

Recognizing the Multitude of Housing Barriers Facing Homeless and Unstably Housed Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

Survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) seek services from domestic violence (DV) programs for a multitude of reasons. One critical need for many survivors, that has often been overlooked when considering the services DV programs provide, is stable housing. DV programs typically offer safety planning, counseling, advocacy, support groups, and some form of temporary safe housing (e.g., shelter, transitional housing), but increasingly, survivors need assistance securing safe and stable long-term housing. It is imperative, then, that program staff have the information, resources, and skills needed to effectively assist survivors with this essential need. This study examined the housing barriers facing 406 homeless or unstably housed intimate partner violence survivors seeking help from one of five domestic violence programs. In-depth interviews conducted shortly after they sought services revealed that many survivors had a prior history of homelessness, and the vast majority reported at least five issues they faced that made obtaining safe and affordable housing difficult. Findings emphasize the importance of advocates specifically asking about potential housing barriers, and having the knowledge, skills, and community connections needed to effectively assist homeless and unstably housed survivors.

Understanding subjective quality of life in homeless and vulnerably housed individuals: The role of housing, health, substance use, and social support

PurposeMuch of the extant research on quality-of-life (QoL) in homelessness has focused narrowly on health-related QoL. Far less is known about broader subjective quality-of-life (SQoL). The purpose of this study was to examine levels and predictors of SQoL among homeless and vulnerably housed individuals in a 4-year longitudinal study. MethodsData were from the Health and Housing in Transition (HHiT) study, a prospective cohort study of 1190 individuals from three Canadian cities who were homeless or vulnerably housed. SQoL was measured using a scale designed specifically for this population. Predictor variables were time-varying indicators of housing status, substance use, and social support as well as baseline measures of physical and mental health problems. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) analysis examined these predictors of SQoL, adjusting for baseline age, gender, ethnicity, employment, income, and city of residence. ResultsParticipants at baseline were 18 to 80 years old (M = 42.2; SD = 10.6), 66% male, 63% White, 60% unemployed, and 50% were currently homeless. Most areas of SQoL tended toward slight satisfaction, with dissatisfaction concerning finance and employment as notable exceptions. Demographic variables were not associated with SQoL. Homelessness and self-reported presence of 3+ chronic health conditions, mental health problems, and problematic substance use, as well as lower perceived social support, were independently associated with lower SQoL. ConclusionsSQoL shows variation across different life areas for homeless and vulnerably housed individuals. In order to improve SQoL in this population, it is important to address poverty, employment, housing challenges, mental and physical health problems, and substance use as well as increase social supports.

Missing Hero: Co‐Producing Change in Social Housing Programmes

The aim of this article is to develop theory and generate knowledge about the challenges and possibilities of co‐producing change in a social housing programme. The purpose of the project was to implement the Housing First philosophy in the social housing programme in the city of Helsingborg, Sweden. The aim was also to create opportunities for service user involvement. Several innovative measures were implemented in order for these changes to occur from autumn 2016 to summer 2017. The social services commissioned a university course on which social workers and their clients studied together on equal terms to create project plans for the further development of their own workplace. A “Future” workshop was held by the researchers with representatives from all the different housing options (the shelter, transitional housing, category housing, Housing First apartments), both clients and social workers. Repeated dialogue meetings were conducted at the different housing options to discuss how service user involvement could be developed and to discover new ways of participation. This article is based on a strengths‐based perspective using the theoretical discussions on social traps, as well as the concepts of enabling and entrapping niches. We show the importance of social workers identifying and supporting missing heroes—service users who want to participate and be involved in co‐producing change. We also show that if an organisation is not prepared for the initiated changes, there is a risk of disappointment due to awakened expectations that are not fulfilled. Building trust is also an important component to emerge from the material, but we also found that change processes can be initiated that continue and have impact beyond the initial project’s goals.

“I ain’t getting enough rest”: A Qualitative Exploration of Sleep among Women Experiencing Homelessness

ABSTRACT Women experiencing homelessness may face additional challenges related to sleep. Extant research indicates women in general are more likely to report sleep problems than men, including insufficient and disturbed sleep. This qualitative investigation explores the perceptions of sleep health among 16 women residing in transitional and emergency housing shelters. Participants noted the importance of sleep, sleep location, the importance of relaxation and rest to their well-being, and how work schedules often conflicted with sleep opportunities in housing programs. Participant recommendations for sleep promotion in housing programs included flexibility surrounding sleep hours for working clients and separate quarters for working vs. nonworking clients. Implications for sleep health promotion among women experiencing homelessness are discussed.

Digital divide and marginalized women during COVID-19: a study of women recently released from prison

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the urgency to bridge the digital divide, as those without reliable internet, adequate devices, and digital literacy skills were severely disadvantaged when most essential activities moved online. This study examines how the pandemic has affected women recently released from jail or prison, a group that was already at a disadvantage in terms of digital access and skills even before the pandemic. Our interviews with 45 women in transition show that their lack of stable access to the internet and digital devices during the pandemic influenced their post-incarceration supervision requirements, job applications, educational opportunities, and others. These women navigated the challenges by working with their social connections (e.g., friends and neighbors) and relying on emergency resources deployed by local institutions during the pandemic. Those staying in transitional houses before being fully released into communities indicated that they often depended on facility staff or family/friends in the community for pandemic-related information due to their limited access to the internet in those facilities. These and other findings from this research provide insights into the technological challenges and needs of marginalized women during the public health crisis.

A Pilot Outreach HIV Testing Project Among Homeless Adults.

Background: The Memphis metropolitan statistical area (MSA) represents a Deep Southern U.S. city disproportionally affected by the ongoing transmission of new HIV cases as well as those diagnosed in late-stage disease. This region is a subset of nine states, including Memphis, Tennessee (project site), driving the epidemic in the United States. Memphis ranks 4th among all U.S. MSAs for new HIV infections and has been identified in the CDC's Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative as a high HIV burden geographic focus area. The Memphis Ryan White Part A Program conducted a pilot project among adults seeking services in Memphis emergency and transitional housing shelters to offer on-site, rapid HIV testing. In this paper we describe the results from this aforementioned pilot study, including the rate of HIV test acceptance and potential factors associated with a history of HIV testing in Memphis.Methods: Community-engaged research approaches were employed via a partnership between the local health department, a federally qualified faith-based health center, and an academic university. An interviewer-administered survey to measure potential factors associated with HIV testing history and voluntary HIV testing services were offered to adults living in transitional housing establishments. Bivariate chi-square analyses were performed to determine the association between predisposing, enabling, and need variables with HIV testing history in the past 12 months.Results: Survey respondents (n = 109) were mostly cisgender male (n = 96; 88.1%), African American (n = 79; 72.5%) and reported engaging in condomless sex in the past 12 months (n = 55; 50.5%). Acceptability and uptake of HIV testing was high (n = 97; 89.0%).Conclusions: Implementing rapid HIV testing programs outside of traditional health care settings is a strategy that can be used to engage high-risk individuals and those unaware of their HIV status to get tested. To our knowledge, this study represents the first that documents HIV testing acceptance rates offered outside of traditional health care settings for homeless and transitionally housed adults in a Deep Southern state.

Leveraging research to inform prevention and intervention efforts: Identifying risk and protective factors for rural and urban homeless families within transitional housing programs.

This mixed method study spotlights hardships and supportive factors for unhoused families led by single mothers who have successfully graduated from two transitional housing programs, one rural and one urban. Data collection consisted of entry and exit surveys (n = 241) as well as qualitative interviews (n = 11). Binary logistic regression results indicated education and social support as significant predictors of successful program completion. Qualitative findings further illustrate narratives surrounding supportive factors and program supports (i.e., assistance securing employment, education courses, sense of community), as well as policy implications. Implications stress the need for enhancing supportive factors (i.e., education and social capital) in early prevention efforts (e.g., schools and community centers), as well as an intentional integration of addressing socio-emotional needs and resources within housing programs and services unique to rural and urban communities.

Managing the unexpected: The role of homeless service providers during the 2017-2018 California wildfires.

People experiencing homelessness during the 2017–2018 California wildfires faced significant risks of disruption. Homeless service organizations (HSOs) are an essential safety net for this population. To learn about how HSOs performed during the wildfires, this study interviewed U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) staff overseeing HSOs providing transitional housing under the VA's Grant and Per Diem (GPD) program to Veterans experiencing homelessness. We employed a comparative case study approach exploring GPD organizations' disaster response actions, including evacuating Veterans from wildfire‐affected areas or taking in disaster‐displaced Veterans. This article presents three themes in the GPD organizations' disaster response: (1) Organizations benefitted from close collaboration and communication with the VA during the disaster, creating a safety net to ensure Veterans' well‐being and enact rapid re‐housing to prevent homelessness; (2) Organization staff performed heroically under stressful disaster conditions; and (3) Organizations benefitted from the written disaster plans that VA requires them to create, but were not as well‐prepared for wildfires as they had been for earthquakes. As emergent threats such as the COVID‐19 pandemic, wildfires, and a very active 2020 hurricane season amplify the importance of mitigating risks, comprehensive disaster planning is needed to ensure the safety and support of people experiencing homelessness.

Scientometric Analysis and Mapping of Transit-Oriented Development Studies

ABSTRACT Contemporary research on transit-oriented development (TOD) continues to progress within the context of sustainable development. Based on a scientometric analysis, this paper collected 507 articles from the Web of Science within the timespan of 1996–2021, and used VOSviewer to visually map and analyse the development of TOD studies, including yearly article distribution, main countries, organisations, highly co-cited documents, and burst keywords. We found documents with high co-citation strength in four clusters of TOD studies: impacts of TOD planning factors on transportation benefits; TOD typology, classification, and measurement; TOD contexts, experiences, difficulties, and solutions; TOD transit proximity and housing values.

Housing instability is associated with failure to achieve virologic control among pregnant individuals with HIV

Homelessness and housing instability, which are on the rise nationally, are considered important social determinants of health. Among nonpregnant adults living with HIV, both have been associated with decreased linkage to medical care and virologic nonsuppression. This association may be particularly concerning in pregnancy, because virologic control is the primary determinant of HIV perinatal transmission. In addition, housing instability in pregnancy may be an independent risk factor for adverse perinatal outcomes, further amplifying perinatal risks in pregnant individuals living with HIV. However, the role of housing as a social determinant of health among such individuals is largely unstudied. The objective was to examine the association between housing instability and virologic control among pregnant individuals living with HIV. This was a retrospective cohort study of pregnant individuals seeking perinatal care in a specialty HIV clinic from 2007 to 2018. Markers of virologic control, including time from antiretroviral therapy initiation to virologic suppression, antiretroviral therapy adherence, and viral load at 36 weeks and at delivery, were assessed. All patients underwent assessment of housing status with a licensed clinical social worker and were classified as experiencing housing instability (ie, staying with family or friends, transitional housing, treatment program, shelter, outdoors or vehicle, hotel, or incarcerated) vs not experiencing instability (renting or owning). Multivariable regression models assessed the associations of housing instability with virologic control. Of 232 pregnant patients living with HIV with documented housing status, 41.4% (n=96) experienced housing instability. Patients with housing instability were younger and more likely to self-identify as non-Hispanic Black, have public or no insurance, and have a mental health or substance use disorder. They were less likely to be married, be employed, or have greater than a high school education. There were no differences in parity, number of prenatal visits, or timing of HIV diagnosis between groups. On adjusted analyses, patients with housing instability required an adjusted 2.45 weeks (95% confidence interval, 0.16-4.74) longer to achieve initial viral suppression and had greater odds of missing 5 or more doses of antiretroviral medications (adjusted odds ratio, 2.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-4.09) and having a detectable viral load at delivery (adjusted odds ratio, 2.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-4.47). Housing instability among pregnant individuals living with HIV is common and is associated with decreased virologic control during pregnancy. Given the association between virologic control and perinatal transmission, housing instability may be an important social determinant of HIV-related perinatal outcomes. Addressing housing instability during pregnancy may be a critical avenue to improve maternal and neonatal health and reduce the risk of perinatal transmission.

Housing interventions for emerging adults experiencing homelessness: A scoping review

IntroductionThis review aims to identify and synthesize literature focused on housing interventions for young adults experiencing homelessness. MethodsFollowing a five-stage approach to scoping reviews, a computerized search was conducted between February 4–8, 2019 to include peer-reviewed articles from a total of eight electronic databases: PsychINFO, Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Social Work Abstracts, Cochrane, Clinicaltrials.gov, and CINAHL. The search was limited to include literature published between January 1, 1987 and December 31, 2018. Search parameters included three domains: homelessness, housing intervention, and age. ResultsOf the initial 7,344 sources identified, 29 articles met the search criteria and were included in the final sample. Housing models discussed in the reviewed literature include Permanent Supportive Housing, Transitional and Independent Housing and Living Programs, the Foyer model, Housing First, and general Supportive Housing. Housing models were discussed in the context of outcome domains including quality of life, education, employment, housing tenure, cost of intervention, systems and service use, HIV, and social network and relationships. DiscussionHousing interventions for young adults experiencing homelessness remains a relatively new intervention to combat homelessness among younger demographics. While the evidence base continues to grow, there remains a need for quality research to generate empirical evidence in this area, though studies included in this review showed promise for the development of best housing practices with this population.

Organizational Readiness for Intimate Partner Violence Response among Supportive Housing Providers: A Capacity Assessment in Maryland.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) frequently leads to housing instability and homelessness among survivors. While the client populations of many housing support programs are likely to include IPV survivors who have unique safety needs, the organizational readiness of these housing providers to identify and support IPV survivors is not clear. This study assessed organizational readiness for IPV response among Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) and Transitional Housing (TH) providers in Maryland, whose client populations include women (n = 32). We adapted the Physician Readiness to Manage Intimate Partner Violence Survey (PREMIS) to create the Housing provider Readiness to Manage IPV Survey (H-REMIS), inclusive of IPV-related perceptions, policies, staff training and capability, and resources. The 12-point H-REMIS demonstrated acceptable internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.748). Descriptive and comparative analyses domains by IPV-specific (n = 4) and general (n = 28) housing providers assessed readiness and identified areas for improvement. IPV-specific providers had higher mean organizational readiness for IPV response scores relative to non-IPV specific providers (11.3 and 7.5, respectively). High readiness areas included perceiving the importance of IPV and staff having adequate time, space, and comfort level to address IPV. Areas of low readiness included development and use of IPV response policies as well as staff training on IPV. This assessment documents concerning gaps in organizational readiness for IPV response among supportive housing providers, and pinpoints areas where training and capacity building can be most valuable. The process of improving readiness in the supportive housing sector must involve capacity building and a systems-level approach in order to ensure that all supportive housing providers are prepared to meet the needs of IPV survivors among their client population.

Transit development and housing displacement: The case of the Chicago Red Line Extension

Chicago's South Side has long been characterized as a “transit desert” – an area with high transit inaccessibility and insufficient infrastructure to meet residents' needs (Jiao & Dillivan, 2013). Without adequate transit, residents cannot reach employment opportunities or regional amenities – contributing to economic, spatial, and social marginalization. The Chicago Transit Authority's proposed Red Line Extension (RLE) is designed to connect the city's far south side neighborhoods to Chicago's core. Given the scope of the RLE, 175 parcels have been chosen for demolition, meaning that a similar number of households face displacement to make room for the RLE right of way – which may have potentially negative consequences in realizing the subsequent benefits of improved transit access. In this article, we perform an ex-ante analysis of RLE induced displacement. Specifically, we: 1) predict potential location choices that transit displacees are most likely to choose; and 2) analyze these locations in relation to access to transit, amenities, employment, and housing affordability, among others. Within the context of transportation planning, ex-ante analysis is important because it can minimize unintended and negative consequences of transit-induced displacement – like decreased transit access and a loss of potential neighborhood improvements - by predicting potential relocation choices for displacees. Such predicted choices can help planners and decision-makers better understand the trade-offs for directly affected households and thereby allow planners and decision-makers to assist in relocation assistance that maximizes the benefits of the necessarily displaced.

“The Bad Things that Happened Are Kind of Good Things”: Exploring Gambling Among Residents of a Transitional Housing Service

A small body of research has shown that gambling problems are elevated among homeless populations and suggests the complexity of relationships between homelessness, gambling and a broad range of other social and addiction issues. This research explored patterns of gambling and coexisting issues at the level of the individuals’ experiences. We describe the experiences of 17 residents of a transitional housing service who had experienced gambling harm as people who gamble and/or affected others, using a descriptive qualitative approach. Four themes, each with subthemes, were identified in the data. Participants described their histories, strong links between methamphetamine use and gambling and the importance of connectedness and family to recovery. Gambling was seldom an issue raised by professional services or divulged by the participants, nor was it described as a key factor in becoming homeless. General self-help strategies (such as distraction) were adapted by participants in attempts to modify or control their gambling. The present results stress the need to destigmatise gambling problems (even relative to methamphetamine use) and to provide gambling information and support through a broad range of social and health services in a way that resonates both with those affected those providing professional support.

Shelter/housing options, supports and interventions for older people experiencing homelessness

AbstractWhile experiences of later-life homelessness are known to vary, classification of shelter, housing and service models that meet the diverse needs of older people with experiences of homelessness (OPEH) are limited. To address this gap, a scoping review was conducted of shelter/housing options, supports and interventions for OPEH. Fourteen databases were searched for English-language peer-reviewed and/or empirical literature published between 1999 and 2019, resulting in the inclusion of 22 sources. Through a collaborative, iterative process of reading, discussing and coding, data extracted from the studies were organised into six models: (1) long-term care, (2) permanent supportive housing (PSH), including PSH delivered through Housing First, (3) supported housing, (4) transitional housing, (5) emergency shelter settings with health and social supports, and (6) case management and outreach. Programme descriptions and OPEH outcomes are described and contribute to our understanding that multiple shelter/housing options are needed to support diverse OPEH. The categorised models are considered alongside existing ‘ageing in place’ research, which largely focuses on older adults who are housed. Through extending discussions of ageing in the ‘right’ place to diverse OPEH, additional considerations are offered. Future research should explore distinct sub-populations of OPEH and how individual-level supports for ageing in place must attend to mezzo- and macro-level systems and policies.

Preventing Suicide Among Homeless Veterans: A Consensus Statement by the Veterans Affairs Suicide Prevention Among Veterans Experiencing Homelessness Workgroup.

Preventing Suicide Among Homeless Veterans: A Consensus Statement by the Veterans Affairs Suicide Prevention Among Veterans Experiencing Homelessness Workgroup.

Call to Freedom: A Promising Approach to Supporting Recovery among Survivors of Sex Trafficking

ABSTRACT Researchers and practitioners have expressed an urgency to identify effective strategies for treating the complex needs of sex trafficking survivors. However, to date, we know very little about what types of services are most effective in promoting recovery among this population. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of Call to Freedom, a highly promising program based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota (SD) that provides comprehensive, ongoing, and coordinated service to sex trafficking survivors. Grounded in survivor-centered and trauma-informed principles, Call to Freedom provides survivors with various on-site services such as case management, occupational therapy, and transitional housing in addition to connecting survivors to community-based agencies that provide various services (e.g., mental health care, medical/dental services, legal services). Call to Freedom also ensures that community partners are trained in trauma-informed practices to enhance the effectiveness of their work with survivors of sex trafficking. Moreover, Call to Freedom engages in legislative advocacy to decriminalize illegal activities in which survivors may have engaged while being trafficked and mandate tougher penalties for perpetrators of trafficking. Call to Freedom’s work is survivor-centered; all services are voluntary and individualized based on survivors’ needs with the ultimate goal of navigating their journey to freedom. Plans for conducting a rigorous evaluation of the Call to Freedom service model are discussed as well as suggestions for other communities wishing to provide comprehensive, ongoing, and coordinated service to sex trafficking survivors.