The Interconnection of Childhood Poverty and Homelessness: Negative Impact/Points of Access

Abstract

Child poverty negatively impacts the development of children; family homelessness compounds the issues. Both have dramatically increased over the last two decades with far-reaching, poorly understood consequences. The impact of the instability of poverty and homelessness on children is often hidden or difficult to comprehend. Few studies critically examine the impact on a child's sense of safety and security. Using mixed method inquiry, this research sought to examine the effects of poverty and homelessness on children 8 to 12 years of age. The voices of the children illuminate the underlying strengths and vulnerabilities. Results indicate that homelessness leaves children feeling a decreased sense of support and an increased sense of isolation.

Youth Homelessness: The Impact of Supportive Relationships on Recovery

“…There is ample evidence that homeless youth do not actively seek support and assistance with their problems until the symptoms become unmanageable in their life (Reutter, Hungler, Letourneau, Makwarimba, & Stewart, 2010;Soloria, Milburn, Andersen, Trifskin, & Rodriguez, 2006). Some studies suggest that homeless youth have a tendency to use coping styles that distance them from stressors (Canadian Institutes for Health Information, 2007;Schmitz, Wagner, & Menke, 2001). However, there is some evidence that they seldom use services when they are free (Miller, Donahue, Esta, & Hofer, 2004;.…”

Supporting Homeless Youth: Perspectives and Preferences

“…Homeless youth are rarely asked to participate in research aimed at improving their access to appropriate services (Ensign & Panke, 2002), although their experiences and insights would inform the design of empowering programs that more appropriately meet their needs (Schmitz et al, 2001;Taylor, Stuttaford, Broad, & Vostanis, 2007) as the current study illustrates. Multiple perspectives of homeless youth, former homeless youth, and service providers were elicited in the current study to generate a comprehensive picture of pertinent support resources, support gaps, support needs, support-seeking strategies, and support intervention preferences.…”

“…Studies reveal evidence of the beneficial effects of social support on mental health (Votta & Manion, 2004) and medication adherence (Muir-Cochrane et al, 2006) among homeless adolescents. However, homeless adolescents experience disruption in informal support networks and a sense of isolation and may adopt new ineffective and inadequate social ties (Haber & Toro, 2004;Schmitz et al, 2001) that need to be strengthened, supplemented, or substituted.…”

“…Research indicates that homeless adolescents have a tendency to use coping styles that distance them from stressors (CIHI, 2007;Schmitz et al, 2001). They withdraw from social networks and do not actively seek support to deal with their problems.…”

“…Little is known about homeless youth's personal experiences of homelessness (Ensign & Panke, 2002;Schmitz, Wagner, & Menke, 2001) and their coping strategies (e.g., help seeking). Further, few studies have examined youths' perspectives beyond adolescence into the early adulthood years (Ensign, 2004;Miller, Donahue, Este, & Hofer, 2004;Tyler, Melander, & Noel, 2009).…”