COVID-19 and the Homelessness Support Sector

Abstract

This exploratory study sought to uncover service provider perspectives on the early response to COVID-19 in a small community in an advanced industrialized country - the homelessness support sector of the Central Okanagan, British Columbia. Following a case study approach, snowball sampling was utilized in May and June 2020 to achieve a sample size of 30 through a mix of one-on-one interviews and open-ended surveys. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to uncover commonalities among interview responses. Common themes are discussed in relation to three areas of questioning including challenges, successes, and mitigations/areas for future support. While the community came together to support the response, there were challenges and concerns regarding safety and personal protective equipment supplies, social distancing and knowledge transmission within the homeless community, access to food and water, and lack of space for isolating positive cases. The findings illustrate possible research, practice, public health policy, and emergency planning considerations within smaller communities.

“We actually came to a point where we had no staff”: Perspectives of Senior Leadership in Canadian Homelessness Service Providers During COVID-19

“…Furthermore, research examining specialized homeless populations that may have different service needs (e.g., youth, women, elderly; Baral et al, 2021), and research examining geographic differences based upon organizational locations are needed to provide a more comprehensive perspective of challenges and opportunities experienced by Canadian homelessness sector organizations (Babando et al, 2022). Incorporating frontline staff perspectives alongside management perspectives may also provide a broader understanding of challenges and opportunities that may be leveraged to enhance the well-being of staff and clients (Baral et al, 2021).…”

A Scan of Ontario Cities’ COVID-19 Policies and their Impacts on People Living in Homelessness

“…Where possible, health and social services moved to online or phone-only appointments, and clients were encouraged to connect with service providers through these methods. In light of business closures, Babando et al (2022) discuss barriers created for individuals who previously relied on free internet available in coffee shops and stores. With widespread shutdowns and the move to online/phone modalities, there is a need to ensure equitable access to phone and internet services -for example, by providing them in emergency shelters and isolation facilities (Wasilewska-Ostrowska, 2020).…”

“…Some of the impacts are secondary to specific access issues arising from closures. Several authors have commented on economic shutdowns leading to fewer donations for nonprofit organizations and disruptions to revenue-generating initiatives (Babando et al, 2022;Ha et al, 2021;Nichols & Mays, 2021). For example, business closures may result in sharp declines in monetary and material donations made to nonprofit organizations, and these organizations rely on such philanthropic efforts to sustain their operations and continue to offer services to vulnerable groups (Babando et al, 2022).…”