Transition from homelessness to becoming housed: A qualitative study

Abstract

AimTo explore the transitional experiences of becoming housed from homelessness.DesignA qualitative descriptive study.MethodsData were collected during 2017 and 2018 using a semi‐structured interview method with 10 former homeless people who became housed at the time of the study. The grounded theory method was used to analyse qualitative data.Results‘Desire to keep a place to stretch out and lie down’ was the basic social problem participants suffered during the transition from homeless to becoming housed. In addition, ‘returning to the social world as a person living an ordinary life’ was the basic social process that emerged as a core category. The process was divided into four phases: (1) being discarded from everyday life in the social world, (2) struggling to reconnect with society and (3) returning to the social world as a person living an ordinary life.ConclusionThe transition from homelessness to becoming housed is a significant experience for individuals that involves holistic changes. Community health nurses should consider their practical needs based on client views.ImpactWhat problem did the study address? This study explored the experiences of transitioning from homelessness to becoming housed among post‐homeless individuals.What were the main findings? While moving from homelessness to becoming housed, homeless people experienced returning to the social world as a person living an ordinary life. They were also shown to go through the process of four stages.Where and on whom will the research have an impact? This study will contribute to suggesting a direction for self‐reliance‐based interventions among people who are homeless. Additionally, the findings will provide primary data to develop a program for social integration.Patient or Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution.