Unofficial policy: access to housing, housing information and social services among homeless drug users in Hartford, Connecticut. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2007 Mar 07;2:8
Date
03/09/2007Pubmed ID
17343735Pubmed Central ID
PMC1828723DOI
10.1186/1747-597X-2-8Scopus ID
2-s2.0-34248364743 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 35 CitationsAbstract
BACKGROUND: Much research has shown that the homeless have higher rates of substance abuse problems than housed populations and that substance abuse increases individuals' vulnerability to homelessness. However, the effects of housing policies on drug users' access to housing have been understudied to date. This paper will look at the "unofficial" housing policies that affect drug users' access to housing.
METHODS: Qualitative interviews were conducted with 65 active users of heroin and cocaine at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Participants were purposively sampled to reflect a variety of housing statuses including homeless on the streets, in shelters, "doubled-up" with family or friends, or permanently housed in subsidized, unsubsidized or supportive housing. Key informant interviews and two focus group interviews were conducted with 15 housing caseworkers. Data were analyzed to explore the processes by which drug users receive information about different housing subsidies and welfare benefits, and their experiences in applying for these.
RESULTS: A number of unofficial policy mechanisms limit drug users' access to housing, information and services, including limited outreach to non-shelter using homeless regarding housing programs, service provider priorities, and service provider discretion in processing applications and providing services.
CONCLUSION: Unofficial policy, i.e. the mechanisms used by caseworkers to ration scarce housing resources, is as important as official housing policies in limiting drug users' access to housing. Drug users' descriptions of their experiences working with caseworkers to obtain permanent, affordable housing, provide insights as to how access to supportive and subsidized housing can be improved for this population.
Author List
Dickson-Gomez J, Convey M, Hilario H, Corbett AM, Weeks MAuthor
Julia Dickson-Gomez PhD Professor in the Institute for Health and Equity department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdultCommunity Health Services
Connecticut
Drug Users
Female
Health Services Accessibility
Housing
Humans
Information Dissemination
Interviews as Topic
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Middle Aged
Public Policy
Social Support
Social Work
