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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Grace L. Reynolds, DPA¹, Dennis Fisher, PhD¹, Jennifer Klahn, MA², Adi Jaffe, MA³, and Amanda Latimore, BA¹. (1) Center for Behavioral Research and Services, California State University Long Beach, 1090 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90813, 562-495-2330, amandalatimore@aol.com, (2) Office for the Protection of Research Subjects, University of California Los Angeles, c/o 1090 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90815, (3) Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, 925 Weyburn Pl., #418, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Background: Previous studies have used longitudinal methods to evaluate programs for the homeless (Caton, et al., 2005). Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate a program for homeless from data collected over a 10-15 year period (1991-2005). Methods: Recruitment of homeless and indigent drug users began in 1991 and participants could have had continuous participation in a Counseling and Foodbank program through 2005. HIV prevention counseling and foodbank services were provided to out-of-treatment drug users, approximately 50% of whom reported current homelessness. Logistic regression models were developed to predict homelessness for two time periods, 1996-2000 and 2001-2005. Results: Earlier status of being unemployed and not looking for work and the number of days in the last 30 used cocaine were identified as risk factors. Receiving income from social security, disability, or workmen's compensation; living with a spouse; living with children under the age of 18; ever having been in methadone detoxification; receiving income from a paid job or salary; and the number of times told had hepatitis B were identified as protective factors against later homelessness. Of 1728 participants recruited in 1991, 211 had participated in program activities from 1991-2000; 128 had participated in program activities through 2005. Of these 128, the largest difference between the homeless and those who did not report homelessness was the number of drug injections in the last 30 days. Conclusions: Foodbank and counseling services were moderately successful in retaining homeless individuals over time, but attrition occurred.

Learning Objectives:

• To understand factors that contribute to chronic homelessness among out-of-treatment drug users
• To evaluate a program combining counseling services and access to a foodbank in retaining homless individuals over time.

Keywords: Homelessness,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation