Author ORCID Identifier
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-13-2018
Abstract
The Housing First approach has shown promise in helping to combat homelessness among chronically homeless single males, but less is known about the approach when it is applied to families and young adults. This study examined data from a pilot Housing First program that served 78 families (n = 63) and single young adults (n = 15) with homeless histories and mental health and/or substance use disorders to explore program functioning and client service use patterns. Using an exploratory sequential mixed methods research design (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2011), qualitative interview data were conducted first, and quantitative administrative data and qualitative progress note data were then analyzed to explore ideas presented in the qualitative interviews. The in-depth qualitative interviews with staff (N = 9) collected information on program functioning and client successes and challenges. Quantitative data were collected on all 78 clients and sources included administrative data about return to homelessness, child welfare involvement, receipt of public assistance, and interactions with case managers. Qualitative exploration of a sample of client progress notes (N = 32) then followed. Integrating the findings, interviews suggested that clients faced many challenges, especially those related to having little to no income, multiple children, and stigmas, but that “success” would be indicated by needing their case managers less over time. We found that 89% remained enrolled in the program, 21% returned to shelter at some point, child welfare involvement decreased, and public assistance receipt increased after program entry. Content analysis of case management notes indicated that case managers worked with clients to develop independent living skills to improve clients' chances for becoming sufficient over the long-term.
Keywords
housing instability, mixed methods
Publication Title
Children and Youth Services Review
Rights
© 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. This is the peer reviewed Accepted Manuscript version of this article.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Cyleste C. Collins, Rong Bai, David Crampton, Robert Fischer, Rebecca D'Andrea, Kendra Dean, Nina Lalich, Tsui Chan, Emily Cherney. Implementing housing first with families and young adults: challenges and progress toward self-sufficiency. Children and Youth Services Review, Volume 96, 2019, Pages 34-46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2018.11.025.