Autonomy and authority: Homeless service users' empowering experiences in housing first and staircase services

Abstract

Although Housing First (HF) has gained widespread support as a service model to end homelessness, staircase services (SS)

‘Trials and Tribulations’: The Ambivalent Influence of Temporary Accommodation on Mental Health Recovery in Chronically Homeless Adults

“…This requires further investments in client-centred housing programmes, such as Housing First, and in more affordable housing in both Scotland and the U.S. ( Sanders & Reid, 2018 ; Wusinich et al, 2019 ). In the meantime, as prolonged residency at temporary accommodation remains a reality for many, embedding a recovery orientation in those service settings through advocacy, staff training, service leadership, cross-service collaboration and user involvement in service design and delivery will mitigate against erecting ‘ additional barriers, remarginalizing the most vulnerable ’ ( Kerman & Sylvestre, 2020 ; O'Shaughnessy & Greenwood, 2021 ; Quirouette, 2016: p. 317 ).…”

“…The findings reveal clients’ expanding autonomy, independence and a sense of security and ownership as a result of the flexible, dignifying and homelike service provision. The negative aspects, however, mostly concerned the practical aspects of shelter life, with limited consideration being given to the psychological and socio-emotional challenges often faced by people with histories of homelessness, interpersonal trauma and loneliness ( Kerman & Sylvestre, 2020 ; O'Shaughnessy & Greenwood, 2021 ). Also, while Lincoln et al’s study provides empirical support for the ‘safe haven’ model, it does not explicitly address the relationship between this service and clients’ mental health recovery.…”

Adverse childhood experiences among previously homeless African American women

“…When faced with homelessness, African American women, such as those in our study, have fewer options and more obstacles than White women due to the long history of structural and institutionalized racism (Piat et al., 2015). This emphasizes the need for wrap‐around services, such as Nia Imani, which provides education, skills‐building, and a sense of community through person‐centered care (Dressel et al., 2020; Holt et al., 2018; O'Shaughnessy & Greenwood, 2021).…”

“I can’t remember the last time I was comfortable about being home”: lived experience perspectives on thriving following homelessness

“…Strategies developed to support persons who experience homelessness have focused primarily on the security and maintenance of a tenancy. Historically, such services were informed by the belief that individuals leaving homelessness must have their mental health, substance use, and other challenges addressed before they could be successful in sustaining permanent housing (O’Shaughnessy & Greenwood, 2021 ). Such services have come to be known as “staircase supports” (SS) or “treatment first” approaches, and emphasize the use of shelters, transitional housing, and abstinence-based services designed to encourage “housing readiness”.…”