Online Program

325118
Cardboard Commentary: A Qualitative Analysis of the Signs of People Experiencing Homelessness

FilmClosedCaptioned
Monday, November 2, 2015

Jesse Golinkoff, BFA, Masters of Public Health Program, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Moriah Hall, MPH, Masters of Public Health Program, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Lauren VonHoltz, BS, School of Medicine - Masters of Public Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Rosemary Frasso, PhD, MSc, CPH, Center for Public Health Initiatives, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
Willie Baronet, MFA, Advertising, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX
Background: In 2014, the US overall homelessness rate fell, however the rate in individual cities and states ranged from 8-106 per 10,000 (31 states saw decreases, 20 saw increases). It has been estimated that 5-40% of people experiencing homelessness solicit donations (food, money, or other goods/services). People soliciting assistance often use handmade signs which articulate perceived need. Little is understood about the solicitation experience and prior work has not examined regional differences in messaging.

Methods: A Dallas artist has been purchasing signs for 20+ years and has created several art exhibits with the goal of raising awareness of the homeless experience. During the summer of 2014, he visited 24 cities to purchase signs from people soliciting assistance in public places for his current project: We Are All Homeless.  All signs (n=292) were photographed and the text was transcribed verbatim. Using NVIVO 10, we conducted a secondary qualitative thematic analysis of the signs. All transcripted signs were double-coded and organized into thematic categories. Patterns based on city were examined.

Results: Analysis of transcripts yielded several thematic categories including disability, faith, family, health, humor, hunger and military service. Regional differences were apparent, for example the use of faith and humor in signs varied by city.  

Discussion: Researchers and artists can collaborate to shed light on the perceived need of those soliciting assistance.  This unique collaboration demonstrates the value of bridging artistic and academic spheres. This work may inform targeted interventions to improve health outcomes for this underserved community.

Learning Areas:

Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Other professions or practice related to public health
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
Evaluate messages employed by people experiencing homelessness in order to better understand their perceived need. Shed light on the experience of people soliciting assistance in public places across several US cities. Discuss a novel method of collaboration between academia and the arts, including its challenges and advantages.

Keyword(s): Homelessness, Methodology

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to be an author on this content as I am a Masters Student in Public Health with an interest in homelessness. This academic year I have also been working on other studies related to the homeless experience. I am led by my mentor, Dr. Rosemary Frasso, who has extensive experience with qualitative research.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.