The Lived Experience of Establishing a Home After a Period of Homelessness

Abstract

THE LIVED EXPERIENCE OF ESTABLISHING A HOME AFTER A PERIOD OF HOMELESSNESS by Monica Iaquinta The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the structure of meaning of the lived experience of establishing a home after a period of homelessness. Fourteen semi-structured interviews were conducted using a unique line of inquiry based upon story theory and hermeneutic phenomenology. Questions were posed beginning with the present daily life in a home, followed by the previous experience of homelessness, and ending with establishing a home in the future. Stories were reconstructed, using the participant's own words, and confirmed during a second interview. The data analysis strategies were rooted in the theoretical framework including identifying essential statements, raising statements to abstract core qualities, and explicating themes from the core qualities. A rich, description was composed including the participants' anecdotes. Seven themes were identified including a) journeying on a downward path from having a home to being homeless, b) mustering resourcefulness to move from the street to a home, c) creating a home that is secure and personal, d) grappling with responsibility to hold on to home, e) building relationships that are affirming while setting boundaries, f) recognizing gratitude for life in the present that is peaceful, joyful, and fulfilling, and g) yearning for a future life of promise. The findings of this study may add to the body of nursing knowledge, reduce the gap in the literature, guide nursing practice, and influence local policy development. iii Dedication This manuscript is dedicated to the fourteen persons who candidly described their personal stories of suffering during the experience of homelessness and courage and determination while establishing a home. Persons desired to share information in order to improve understanding and provide hope for others facing similar circumstances. A special dedication to my own family for their love, sacrifice, and understanding, and my father, who despite his passing, has always been a source of inspiration to me. I am grateful for my dissertation committee members for their suggestions and feedback regarding the manuscript including Dr. Gina Maiocco, Dr. Joy Buck, Dr. Marilyn Smith, and Ms. Laura Jones. I am thankful for the School of Nursing faculty for knowledge and guidance, support staff for correspondence and assistance with details important to student life, and agency staff who supported the research study. A sincere thank you is extended to Dean Tara Hulsey for scholarship support in completing this degree including the research grant and Jonas Scholar nomination.