There is little data on single, homeless women within the city of New Haven, though it is clear that a need exists for emergency, as well as permanent shelter, for this population. It is also clear that single homeless women have a myriad of health and social problems which often surface once the immediate need for housing is addressed. This exploratory study examines the feasibility of providing, at the shelter, appropriate services to assist these women in interrupting the cycle of homelessness and in decreasing the level of health and social risks they face. It has direct implications for the women residents of the shelter, as well as the functioning of the shelter itself.
The study involves the analysis of five different sources of data: focus groups with homeless shelter staff and local stakeholders in homeless issues; structured survey interviews with former and current shelter residents; life history interviews with former and current residents; shelter intake interviews; and documents describing shelter policies, legislation, and local regulations relating to homelessness. Findings produce a better understanding of the service needs of homeless women and the factors that operate as barriers to their ability to address these needs. This research may in the long run guide efforts to develop more effective shelter programs and policies.
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe the characteristics of the women who stay at the shelter and describe the factors contributing to their homelessness and residence in the shelter. 2. Describe the health risks faced by and service needs of the women as well as the potential for the shelter to address these risks and service needs. 3. Provide a preliminary examination of the impact of the shelter on the lives of the women residents. 4. Articulate the need for future research in this study area.
Keywords: Homelessness, Women
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Women in Crisis, New Haven Home Recovery; Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS (CIRA)
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.