Supportive housing for chronically homeless individuals: Challenges and opportunities for providers in Chicago, USA. Health Soc Care Community 2018 Jan;26(1):e31-e38
Date
06/20/2017Pubmed ID
28627076Pubmed Central ID
PMC5734984DOI
10.1111/hsc.12467Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85020511900 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 16 CitationsAbstract
Chronically homeless individuals often have extensive health, mental health and psychosocial needs that pose barriers to obtaining and maintain supportive housing. This study aims to qualitatively explore supportive housing providers' experiences and challenges with housing chronically homeless individuals and examine opportunities to improve supportive housing systems of care. In 2014, we conducted qualitative in-depth interviews with 65 programme administrators and case managers of supportive housing programmes in Chicago, IL. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic content analysis. Analysis revealed four themes that capture the primary challenges faced by housing providers: housing priorities, funding cuts, co-ordinated entry and permanency of housing. Housing for the chronically homeless has been prioritised, yet service providers are being expected to provide the necessary services to meet the needs of this population without commensurate funding increases or agency capacity. Additionally, case managers and administrators discussed the tension over housing tenure and the permanency of supportive housing. Findings provide qualitative insight into the challenges providers face implementing supportive housing for chronically homeless individuals.
Author List
Quinn K, Dickson-Gomez J, Nowicki K, Johnson AK, Bendixen AVAuthors
Julia Dickson-Gomez PhD Professor in the Institute for Health and Equity department at Medical College of WisconsinKatherine Quinn PhD Associate Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
ChicagoDisabled Persons
Female
Housing
Humans
Male
Mental Disorders
Mental Health
Middle Aged
Public Housing
Residence Characteristics
