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

Abstract

Purpose Moving On initiatives (MOIs) provide opportunities for permanent supportive housing (PSH) residents to exit PSH services for mainstream housing. This study aims to better understand the factors that influence residents’ decisions on whether to leave or stay in these services. Design/methodology/approach This study examines ambivalence toward leaving PSH using interviews with 40 MOI participants. Data were analyzed using framework analysis. Findings “Pull factors” for staying in PSH included secure benefits, partial autonomy and being comfortable enough. Participants viewed PSH as their cheapest option and a protective force. They also described PSH as “semi-independence” and expressed concern with a lack of privacy, free movement and unwanted supervision. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to consider residents’ motivations for staying in PSH when given the opportunity to leave. Implications for PSH service delivery and implementation of MOIs are discussed.