Volunteerism Among Homeless Persons With Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

People with developmental disabilities have been historically excluded from mainstream society. Using the strength-based perspective, volunteerism was explored among homeless persons with self-reported developmental disabilities. It was hypothesized that volunteerism would be associated with indicators of healthy community integration. This would also include volunteerism associated with unemployment due to disposable time and desire to gain job-related skills. Nearly half volunteered (n=29), were older, visited friends/family monthly, and employment status was associated with volunteerism. Logistic regression indicated visiting with friends/family monthly increased volunteering, but unemployment decreased volunteering. Volunteerism may be a way “to give back” to agencies that are providing them assistance. Similarly, visiting family/friends suggests maintenance of social and community ties.

Homelessness and people with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review of the international research evidence

“…They include the range of community supports required, support to access to adult education, employment and workplace support and access to healthcare (Gouveia et al, 2017; Morton & Cunningham‐Williams, 2009; Oakes & Davies, 2008). In one study undertaken in the United States (US), volunteering within the homeless agency was seen as beneficial to supporting reintegration back into the community by assisting with the development of life skills necessary for daily living and build resilience and self‐esteem (Morton et al., 2010). Given the evidence of the extent of the extent of the co‐occurring physical and mental health conditions that many people with ID experience, there is a need for access to initial assessments and screening when entering homeless services to comprehensively identify care and support needs (McKenzie et al., 2019; Nishio, et al, 2015; Nishio, et al, 2015).…”

“…Multiple issues were identified across all the studies that contributed to and led to homelessness for people with ID. The most common factors identified were the presence of significant education deficits, active mental illness, substance misuse, challenging behaviours and relationship breakdown (Mercier & Picard, 2011; Morton & Cunningham‐Williams, 2009; Morton et al., 2010; Nishio et al., 2017; Oakes & Davies, 2008; van Straaten et al., 2014, 2017). Mental illness was identified in a number of the studies.…”

“…One study used case records, interviews and standardized scales (Oakes & Davies, 2008). Two studies used case records (Gowda et al, 2017; Mercier & Picard, 2011), and three studies used semi‐structured interviews (McKenzie et al, 2019; Morton & Cunningham‐Williams, 2009; Morton et al, 2010).…”

“…A total of eight studies achieved scores of 17 and above, indicating good quality and relevant information (van der Laan et al., 2018; McKenzie et al., 2019; Morton & Cunningham‐Williams, 2009; Nishio et al., 2017; Nishio, et al, 2015; Nishio, et al, 2015; van Straaten et al., 2017; van Straaten et al, 2014). Scores of between 14 to 16 were given to three studies thereby showing deficits related to clarity of aims, recruitment issues, data collection and analysis (Gouveia et al., 2017; Morton et al., 2010; Oakes & Davies, 2008). The remaining two studies had scores of thirteen or less indicating shortcomings on most questions (Gowda et al., 2017; Mercier & Picard, 2011).…”

Gratitude: Students' Encounter with Engaging in International Community Service

“…Additionally, it encompasses individuals living in extremely substandard and unstable housing, such as residents of informal settlements. (Morton et al, 2010) Their deprivation of food, housing, and clothes contradicts the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which affirms the entitlement of all individuals to a satisfactory level of living, encompassing enough food, clothing, and housing, as well as the ongoing enhancement of living conditions. It is the responsibility of states to ensure the protection of economic, social, and cultural rights.…”