Community integration when moving on from permanent supportive housing

Abstract

Aims This study explored community integration within a Moving On initiative that assisted individuals with the transition from permanent supportive housing (PSH) to more independent housing without service requirements. Methods Participants completed baseline interviews while in PSH (n = 90) and, for those who moved on, a follow‐up 1‐year post‐move (n = 45). Bivariate analyses and OLS regression were used to examine community integration outcomes and potential correlates. Results For participants who moved on, subjective social quality of life and sense of community were higher post‐move, while physical integration decreased, and time spent at home increased. Gender, mastery, and housing quality were associated with community integration post‐move. Conclusion Moving On did not adversely impact most aspects of community integration, though PSH residents may need more support to facilitate participation in routine activities outside their home post‐move. Findings also highlight the importance of supporting mastery given its potential role in community integration.

Finding home: Community integration experiences of formerly homeless women with problematic substance use in Housing First

“…That some of the women foresaw themselves moving to other neighborhoods show the value of portable support in the form of intensive case management, and in particular portable housing subsidies. The importance of the latter is further supported by recent evidence showing that the provision of housing subsidies to move on from Housing First does not adversely affect most aspects of community integration (Gurdak, Tiderington, & Stefancic, 2020). Accordingly, Housing First offers permanent housing but tenants may find it necessary to move to find better fitting housing and a community after housing entry.…”

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

“…Research has shown that discrimination in the housing market is still a substantial challenge (Edelman et al , 2016), including for people with mental illness (Ye et al , 2016). Given these conditions, formerly homeless people living in PSH, are likely to face barriers to upward mobility and community integration even after they move on from supportive housing, and research on transitions from PSH bears this out, to some degree (Gurdak et al , 2020; Tiderington, 2020).…”

“…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.…”