The Impact of COVID-19 Isolation Practices on Service Delivery to Persons Experiencing Homelessness and Concurrent Disorders

Abstract

This research examines the effect of COVID-19 isolation protocols on service provision to persons experiencing homelessness and concurrent disorders (PEHCD) in the province of British Columbia, Canada. Using mixed methods, 119 service providers completed a survey about experiences with COVID-19 isolation protocols. Of those, 25 participated in semi-structured interviews. In addition to documenting the challenges experienced by service providers, the results illustrate the creative and effective ways that service provision to PEHCD was maintained in the face of restrictions. This research builds on a pilot project conducted in Victoria, Canada in 2021, examining early impacts of COVID-19 isolation protocols on service delivery to PEHCD. This study extends the research to urban, rural, and remote communities across British Columbia.

New and Expanding Populations of People Experiencing Homelessness in British Columbia, Canada During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Of the participants, 90 indicated challenges experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and only 19 reported the pandemic had not limited services. The most reported challenges experienced by BC service providers were: (1) existing facility design/space (65.56%), ( 2) staff shortages due to COVID-19 exposure/illness (60%), (3) increased risk of overdoses due to isolation (51.11%), ( 4) understanding COVID-19 information (42.22%), and (5) working remotely (37.78%) (Young & Van Tuyl, 2022). In addition to these challenges, 50% of BC service providers responded to new and expanding service groups, including:…”

“…• people who receive low incomes and are experiencing food insecurity, • more complex mental health needs, • seniors, • youth/students, and • family members fleeing violence in the home (e.g., intimate partner violence and child abuse). (Young & Van Tuyl, 2022) The identification of new and expanding service groups illuminate various social vulnerabilities, secondary impacts, and intersectional realities (e.g., youth/students fleeing violence and experiencing more complex mental health needs) during the COVID-19 pandemic.…”

“…Several gaps emerged in the provision of services to PEHCD during the COVID-19 pandemic, commonly (1) existing facility design/space (65.56%), (2) staff shortages due to COVID-19 exposure/illness (60%), (3) increased risk of overdoses due to isolation (51.11%), ( 4) understanding COVID-19 information (42.22%), and (5) working remotely (37.78%) (Young & Van Tuyl, 2022). This included supporting new and expanding service groups: (a) people who were experiencing homelessness for the first time due to pandemic-related job loss, (b) people who receive low incomes and are experiencing food insecurity, (c) more complex mental health needs, (d) seniors, (e) youth/students, and (f) family members fleeing violence in the home (e.g., intimate partner violence and child abuse).…”

“…This research, situated within the context of social structures and social processes (Bankston, 2000) and drawing from the sociology of health and the sociology of deviance (societal reaction theory) (Gallagher & Ferrante, 1987;Wardrope, 2015), utilized a community-based, mixed methods design, including quantitative and qualitative approaches (Coghlan & Brydon-Miller, 2014;Creswell & Creswell, 2012;Given, 2008;Palys & Atchison, 2014;Root, 2007). Phase 1 was a pilot study in Victoria, BC (Young & Van Tuyl, 2021), and Phase 2 expanded the research across BC (Young & Van Tuyl, 2022).…”

“…; Deleu et al, 2021;Public Health Agency of Canada, 2021) or people who are visibly homeless but decline to participate, the COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult to identify new and expanding service groups because PiT counts did not take place in 2020 and 2021. As part of a province-wide study in British Columbia, Canada, focused on the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on service provision to PEHCD (Young & Van Tuyl, 2022), this research identified new and expanding service groups. Identifying new and expanding service groups is important in both pandemic and non-pandemic times to ensure services and programs are available to meet the diverse needs and growing populations of PEHCD.…”