Young adults of color experiencing homelessness after foster care remain vulnerable to adverse health outcomes, including substance use disorder, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Permanent supportive housing (PSH) combines stable, affordable housing with services such as medical, mental health, substance use recovery, employment assistance, and case management. PSH also fosters ontological security, providing stability for identity and a sense of belonging. Though PSH benefits those at risk of chronic homelessness, research on its effectiveness for young adults of color aging out of foster care is limited. Stable housing is key to long-term well-being, community integration, and economic mobility.

Methods:

This instrumental case study explored the impact of PSH on five young adults formerly in foster care in Philadelphia, PA. We gathered baseline and six-month follow-up data through semi-structured interviews, focusing on role definition, housing assistance, career aspirations, and housing goals. We analyzed the data using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results:

The analysis identified three themes: stuck in systems, moving forward while moving behind and striving for future growth. Participants valued safe housing but faced barriers to economic autonomy due to restrictive income policies. Ontological insecurity, caused by a lack of control over their environment, affects mental health. Social control within PSH, such as strict rules and surveillance, contributed to stress. Participants showed resilience and a desire for more support, highlighting the need for additional resources.

Implications:

PSH is crucial for promoting health equity, but policies must evolve to meet the population's changing needs and enhance well-being.