Many low-income Latina adolescent mothers face instability in their housing circumstances, which has implications for their long-term prospects and that of their children. This study used longitudinal, ethnographic data from Welfare, Children, and Families: A Three City Study to explore experiences of low-income, Latina adolescent mothers (N = 15) with unstable housing who primarily rely on their families or the families of their significant others for housing support. Results of analysis employing grounded theory and narrative approaches suggested two types of instability: “Horizontal moves” between family homes and “vertical moves” between family homes and independent living. Although family support often was fundamental in allowing for participants’ pursuit of independent housing (i.e., vertical moves), it also was associated with greater residential mobility (i.e., horizontal moves), most often in the context of intrafamilial conflict and family instability. These results are discussed with respect to inconsistencies in policies to address this vulnerable population.

Background To date, very little research has considered the role of health on shaping characteristics of the neighborhood, including mobility patterns. We explored whether individual health status is one of the characteristics that shape and constrain where individuals live. Methods Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, we examined whether 16 health indicators (e.g., health behaviors, symptoms, overall status) predicted moving, move quality, and desire to move. Results 3.8% of adolescents (n=490) reported a move in the past year. In the unadjusted models, 10 health indicators were associated with moving; the magnitude of association for these health indicators was similar to socio-demographic characteristics. Seven of these health-moving associations persisted after adjusting for covariates. Health indicators were also associated with moving quality, with a greater number of past year health problems in the child being associated with moving to lower income neighborhood and parent disability or poor health being associated with moving to a higher income neighborhood. Almost every poor health status indicator was associated with a greater desire to move, even after adjusting for covariates. Conclusion Findings suggest health status influences moving. Prior health status must therefore be considered when interpreting results from neighborhood effects studies.