Understanding the Lived Experience of Formerly Homeless Adults as They Transition to Supportive Housing

A home but how to connect with others? A qualitative meta‐synthesis of experiences of people with mental illness living in supported housing

“…And, “I think that having a decent place to live has reduced my stress… I eat better … I exercise more” (Kirsh et al, , p. 21). In comparison, security and stability were undermined by housing in poor physical condition or neighbourhoods perceived as threatening (Carpenter‐Song et al, ; Kirkpatrick & Byrne, ; Kirsh et al, ; Lindström et al, ; Nelson et al, ; Raphael‐Greenfield & Gutman, ; Whitley et al, ).…”

“…Permanent housing gave individuals a secure base from which to begin to rediscover who they are, what they aspire to do and to lead a “normal” life. Furthermore, supported housing gave participants a sense of being responsible that was grounding and empowering (Chesters et al, ; Forchuk, Ward‐Griffin, et al, ; Jones et al, ; Kirkpatrick & Byrne, ; Leviten‐Reid et al, ; Nelson et al, ; Padgett, ; Parkinson & Nelson, ; Raphael‐Greenfield & Gutman, ). As this participant explained, “[It] helped me find some kind of peace.…”

“…Varied social experiences related to living in supported housing were reported across the studies. Some participants reported positive experiences of reconnecting within their community, whereas others struggled with previous traumatic experiences and felt cautious about reconnecting with others (Raphael‐Greenfield & Gutman, ).…”

“…It can be lonely …” (Walker & Seasons, , p. 141). Furthermore, some participants reported feeling ambivalent about forming connections with others and sought to maintain a safe distance within relationships (Raphael‐Greenfield & Gutman, ). For example, traumatic experiences meant that participants in this particular study spoke of the need to be “constantly vigilant” about their environments leading to an isolated existence.…”

“…For instance, one participant spoke of “baby steps… [in] learning to conform more to family structure, friend structure as opposed to the institution way” (Wong et al, , p.55). This led to improved relationships with friends or family members (Chesters et al, ; Forchuk, Ward‐Griffin, et al, ; Kirkpatrick & Byrne, ; Leviten‐Reid, et al, ; Raphael‐Greenfield & Gutman, ), as this quote illustrates: “I’m just glad I was able to wake up before it was too late to meet back with them (family)” (Raphael‐Greenfield & Gutman, , p.43).…”