Leveraging research to inform prevention and intervention efforts: Identifying risk and protective factors for rural and urban homeless families within transitional housing programs

Abstract

This mixed method study spotlights hardships and supportive factors for unhoused families led by single mothers who have successfully graduated from two transitional housing programs, one rural and one urban. Data collection consisted of entry and exit surveys (n = 241) as well as qualitative interviews (n = 11). Binary logistic regression results indicated education and social support as significant predictors of successful program completion. Qualitative findings further illustrate narratives surrounding supportive factors and program supports (i.e., assistance securing employment, education courses, sense of community), as well as policy implications. Implications stress the need for enhancing supportive factors (i.e., education and social capital) in early prevention efforts (e.g., schools and community centers), as well as an intentional integration of addressing socio-emotional needs and resources within housing programs and services unique to rural and urban communities.

Actionable research for understanding and addressing homelessness

“…Others focus on more "downstream solutions." For example, Brott et al (2021) explore the benefits of building education and social supports into transitional housing and community programs to prevent chronic homelessness. 2021) suggest that prevention will require linking service sectors-for example, equipping domestic violence providers with resources and skills needed to assist unstably housed families (Chiaramonte et al, 2021).…”

“…Erangey et al (2021) argue for a reorientation of service delivery that promotes self-directed change as opposed to prioritizing program-directed outcomes and like Barr et al (2021), point to the value of peer support that is based in relationship In addition to including people with lived experience in homelessness research and practice, this special issue points to the need for understanding unique experiences and trajectories for subgroups of people engaged in housing and support services (Lei & Brown, 2021). The articles in this issue address a wide range of subpopulations, including individuals who have experienced domestic violence (Chiaramonte et al, 2021), Indigenous groups (Ansloos et al, 2021), youth (Ansloos et al, 2021;Barr et al, 2021), single mothers (Brott et al, 2021), urban and rural populations (Brott et al, 2021;Gleason et al, 2021), and transgender and gender diverse groups (Vandenburg et al, 2021). Addressing the diversity of barriers, pressures, and necessary supports for people living in extreme poverty is critical to engaging and changing systems that disproportionally impact historically marginalized communities.…”

“…Ansloos et al (2021) highlight “upstream solutions,” such as strengthening public services, transitional justice processes, and cultural and socioeconomic safety to prevent homelessness among Indigenous youth. Others focus on more “downstream solutions.” For example, Brott et al (2021) explore the benefits of building education and social supports into transitional housing and community programs to prevent chronic homelessness. Chaiaramonte et al (2021) suggest that prevention will require linking service sectors—for example, equipping domestic violence providers with resources and skills needed to assist unstably housed families (Chiaramonte et al, 2021).…”