Change in housing environment and residential satisfaction following exit from permanent supportive housing

Abstract

Moving On initiatives (MOIs) transition stable permanent supportive housing (PSH) residents into mainstream housing without embedded services. While this approach frees up PSH for homeless individuals in need, open questions remain regarding MOI recipients' long-term outcomes. This exploratory study examines how housing environment and residential satisfaction, potential predictors of housing retention, change from PSH to mainstream housing. Subjective assessments of housing and neighborhood quality and residential satisfaction, as well as objective neighborhood-level data, are used to examine housing-related change for New York City MOI recipients. Participants generally moved to less-distressed neighborhoods with lower poverty and crime. Subjective perceptions of some aspects of neighborhood and housing quality also improved post-move. Participants tended to move farther from public transportation but were on average located within one mile of the nearest subway station. Results can be taken as early indicators of the potential benefits of MOIs.

To stay or go? Understanding ambivalence toward moving on from supportive housing among supportive housing residents in a Moving On initiative

“…Suggested strategies from MOI implementers include the use of landlord incentives, letters of support for MOI recipients’ housing applications and establishing relationships with housing gatekeepers (e.g. landlords and brokers) to break down misperceptions about movers (Tiderington et al ., 2020a, Tiderington et al ., 2020b, Gurdak et al ., 2020). This study also highlights, through the eyes of PSH residents, some of the secure benefits of living in this setting.…”

“…Research has shown that PSH improves housing stability, community integration and psychological well-being for people with histories of homelessness (Culhane et al , 2002; Gulcur et al , 2007; Padgett et al , 2016; Pearson et al , 2009; Stefancic and Tsemberis, 2007; Tsemberis et al , 2012; Yanos et al , 2007). However, participants who have left PSH through MOIs have reported improved psychological well-being, housing retention and increased housing satisfaction post-PSH exit (Feiss et al , 2019; Perez et al , 2019; Tiderington, 2020, Tiderington et al ., 2020a, Tiderington et al ., 2020b, Gurdak et al ., 2020).…”

“…Findings from previous studies suggest that moving on from PSH does not appear to adversely affect most community integration outcomes. However, some participants have experienced increased social isolation and decreased physical integration postmove, and increased time at home (Gurdak et al , 2020; Perez et al , 2019; Tiderington, 2020, Tiderington et al ., 2020a, Tiderington et al ., 2020b, Gurdak et al ., 2020). While the emerging body of literature provides some insights into potential reasons, individuals may have for either leaving or staying in PSH when given the opportunity, no study to date has qualitatively examined these factors in-depth from the MOI recipients’ perspective.…”

Variables associated with deterioration in quality of life among individuals living in permanent supportive housing in Quebec during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Most studies have assessed PSH outcomes within a 2-year follow-up period, or less [16,20]. Satisfaction with services, a key factor contributing to service retention and to recovery, was included in this study [21]. This variable was measured based on a question with a 5-point score (1=very unsatisfied to 5=very satisfied).…”

Actuarial prediction versus clinical prediction of exits from a national supported housing program.

“…There are PSH programs throughout the country, however, many programs operate in scarcity—meaning they operate in a context characterized by a lack of housing subsidies, housing inventory, and/or staffing (Austin et al, 2014; Ridgway & Zipple, 1990; Stefancic & Tsemberis, 2007). Thus, there is a need for communities to prioritize PSH services and develop procedures to ensure that once housed, PSH residents are able to maintain their tenancies or transition to other permanent housing situations as appropriate (Tiderington et al, 2021; Toros & Flaming, 2018).…”