Factors contributing to the success among women transitioning out of homelessness

Project (M.S.W., Social Work)--California State University, Sacramento, 2015.According to the National Center on Family Homelessness, in 2011 the United States led industrialized nations with the largest number of homeless women and children; not since the great depression have so many families been without homes. Women are the fastest growing segment of that population. Many different solution strategies have been identified as most constructive in solving this growing epidemic. The purpose of this study is to identify and measure factors that women find most beneficial in helping them successfully transition out of homelessness. This study used a survey and interview questionnaire to collect data from a nonprobability purposive sample of 37 women who were at that time experiencing homelessness. When participating in the study the women were all participating in a job-readiness and empowerment program offered by Women???s Empowerment in Sacramento, California. \ud The survey questionnaire focused on the various factors both external and internal that have helped women exit homelessness and become more self-sufficient. The results of the survey and questionnaire found that the majority of participants valued internal factors such as spirituality, self-efficacy, support systems and hope over external factors such as organizations, programs, education, leaders, and housing programs. Participant???s level of hope was measured by the Adult Hope Scale by Snyder, 1991. The findings indicated that the participants, although presently experiencing homelessness had high levels of hope. Summary of findings support the strengths-based model, and reflect the importance of internal factors in relation to successful transitions out of homelessness. The recommendations include the incorporation of strength-based practices as well as building on and utilizing internal factors when assisting women as they transition out of homelessness so that they are able to create a foundation for self-sufficiency. The hope is that this foundation will limit the amount of women that experience multiple instances or chronic homelessness.Social Wor