Homelessness: a study of the perceptions of successful graduates and their experience with a transitional housing program and services

Thesis (Ed. D.)--University of Rochester. Margaret Warner Graduate School of Education and Human Development, 2016.It was not until the government saw emergency shelters and missions as being unable to meet the needs of the growing number of homeless individuals that the creation of transitional housing was established in 1990. In 2007 the National Coalition for the Homeless reported over three million people to be homeless, with more than one million of the people being children. Since this report, the National Alliance to End Homelessness conducted a 2016 point-in-time- analysis on the homeless. This analysis reported a decrease in homelessness by 2%. Thus the issue of homelessness still remains an on-going problem nationally. The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of successful graduates of a transitional housing program and their views on the services received in this setting and how those services if any contributed to their success. This qualitative study consisted of six volunteers from one transitional housing program. Also included are findings from similar studies [Fischer (2000), Washington (2002) and Yarosz 2003)] which rely on residents’ experiences. What makes this study different from existing studies is that it relies solely on successful former graduate’s experiences with services they received while in a transitional housing program. Key themes identified in this study were: rules, perceptions of homelessness, case management, and direct and indirect services. Most of the participants thought the rules were too rigid. Some of the rules mentioned in this study were about curfews, mandatory programs such as life skills classes, and chores. Although the rules were seen as a problem for most in this study, the rules did not become a problem until the rules affected them personally. Participants achieved success by working together to overcome the restraints of the rules in this transitional housing program, such as babysitting for one another or covering each other’s chores. On perceptions of homelessness, some participants reported being shocked to see the various types of women in the program. Most were appalled to be in the same program as someone with substance abuse or mental health issues. In this they reflected past stereotypes of homelessness. Maintaining their own positive identity was seen as paramount to their success in this setting. The case manager in this setting was seen as the most valued resource offered because of her caring nature and her ability to meet the clients’ needs. Having case management step outside of the box and personalize participants’ programs was empowering and seen as critical in the participants’ success. All participants in this transitional housing program were expected to participate in both direct and indirect services. While direct services were a mandatory part of the program, indirect services, although recommended, were not a required part of program participation. Collaborating with outside agencies and giving participants choice, not only in direct services but indirect services as well, were seen as contributing toward the participants’ success in the program and in maintaining permanent housing. Also included in this study are limitations, implication for practice and recommendations for further studies