Understanding homeless families with multiple needs

This paper presents data from the multi-site longitudinal evaluation of the CMHS/CSAT Homeless Families Program on a subgroup of women (n=171) who entered the program with high needs in multiple problem areas (i.e., mental health, trauma, substance abuse, and health). The presentation will describe the background and demographic characteristics of these mothers and present results of analyses comparing those whose outcomes improved over 15 months to those whose outcomes remained at clinical levels. As in other analyses of the program's outcomes, those with multiple problems who improved over time were less likely to experience recurring trauma and more likely to be employed over time than those mothers who remained at clinical levels (p<.001). They were also more likely to be in programs that had substance abuse and other onsite services, largely due to one of the eight projects being studied.

This study contributes to our knowledge about homeless families in several ways. It describes a distinct sub-group within the population of homeless families who have clinical levels of mental health, trauma, substance abuse, and health need upon entry and offers insights into possible predictors of improvement.