Identification of Housing Stabilization Models for Youth Exiting Homelessness: A grey literature review

Abstract

This systematic review describes the international grey literature addressing housing stabilization support models for youth. The review yielded 15 reports with a range of information on preventative activities that focus on well-being embedded within the various form of housing stabilization. These approaches build on the premise that housing alone does not provide an effective solution to youth homelessness. Analyses of the content of these reports revealed both cross-cutting, process-oriented themes, alongside descriptions of the outcomes associated with specific intervention models. These findings emphasized the importance of intersectoral collaboration, early intervention coupled with intensive case management, and applying an attachment-oriented theoretical framework in guiding model implementation. Other highlighted results include specific models of housing stabilization with a particular concentration on housing intervention programs that address the interdependency between housing, income, and education. These stabilization supports, practices, and policies offered by organizations were associated with improved outcomes. This review, however, was limited by a lack of controlled studies amongst the reports and, in many instances, a lack of clarity regarding the service models delivered. Despite these limitations, this review provides an overall view of the grey literature evidence regarding the strategies to support young people in transition out of homelessness that complements and expands upon the academic literature in this area. Further research is needed with clearer and more rigorous methods, more detailed intervention descriptions, as well as data on applicability for visible minorities and specific employment interventions tied with housing supports.

More than a Roof and a Key Required: Exploration of Guiding Principles for Stabilizing the Housing Trajectories of Youth Who Have Experienced Homelessness

“…Where the present findings make a unique contribution is, again, on emphasis and nuance. For example, although collaboration with complementary organizations is a supportive housing practice standard and has received some comment in the youth homeless literature (primarily grey literature; [29]), the emphasis on a wide range of collaborations for multiple purposes was striking. Functions of these collaborations included an enhanced ability to provide access to specialist supports on-site and off, providing culturally relevant services, the creation of housing units working with developers and government, fostering community engagement to reduce stigma, and creating opportunities for prevention through collaborations with schools.…”