Barriers to Succesful Sompletion of Transitional Supportive Housing Programs for Older Veterans

The objectives of this study were to explore factors that produce homelessness in older veterans and identify barriers to succesful completion of a transitional supportive housing program. A series of focus groups were conducted to examine the perspectives of homeless veterans (six groups; n=45), service providers (three groups; n=10), and VA staff attending a national, homelessness VA program (three groups: n=14). Veterans ranged in age from 49-72, educations ranged from fifth grade to graduate level; highest job positions varied from handyman to corporate executive. Ethnic composition included White, African-American, and Hispanic veterans. Time spent homeless prior to entry into the transitional supportive housing program ranged from immediate entry from prison to three years. The four themes that emerged included the negative homelessness experience, benefits of the structured transitional housing program, peer outreach to assist homeless veterans who are ready to change, and the need for age tailored employment training and job placement programs. VA Staff and service providers recognized that the needs of older homeless veterans were different from younger veterans. Three major themes emerged from the VA staff and provider groups: the strong belief that the transitional housing program made a difference, the need to individualize criteria to address the unique needs of veterans, and the distinct differences between older and younger homeless veterans in terms of less social support, greater employment challenges, and more significant health care needs. This study provides new perspectives on the needs and differences between older and younger homeless veterans.