Long-term housing stability, economic independence and family functioning: A retrospective examination of the Wilson Commencement Park transitional housing program

The current study examined long-term outcomes of former residents (n = 31) of Wilson Commencement Park (WCP), a transitional housing program that has recently been recommended by HUD for “exemplary status” and as a best practice. Participants had histories of domestic violence and trauma, substance abuse, mental and physical health problems, and family structures which made them vulnerable to a cycle of housing and economic problems. Nevertheless, the findings suggest they were able to make substantial progress towards sustained housing stability, economic independence, and stable family functioning. Employment rates were high (81%), reliance on public benefits was low (0% received TANF), and residential stability was maintained. Children's outcomes were also encouraging, although some were experiencing health, emotional, educational and employment challenges. The vast majority (91%) in school were in an age-appropriate grade level. Some children went on to college and employment, but 25% of those no longer in school were unemployed. Nearly 40% of alumni had lived apart from their children at some point, and some reported their children had been victims of physical or sexual abuse, or had witnessed violence. A small number of children had substance abuse problems and/or had been incarcerated. These findings suggests important program and policy implications, indicating that the structure, safety, and supportive services provided by a housing program such as WCP can be a critical step toward residential and economic independence for single-parent families, particularly for those parents in recovery from substance abuse and those escaping domestic violence situations.