Utilizing Participatory Mapping and GIS to Examine the Activity Spaces of Homeless Youth

Abstract

Although previous studies have informed our understanding of certain aspects of youth homelessness, few studies have critically examined the spatial and social environments utilized by youth as they navigate life on the streets. This study employed participatory mapping and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to examine the activity spaces of homeless youth as they relate to sense of community and psychological well-being. Participants were 28 youth experiencing homelessness in Portland, Oregon, USA. Results suggest that youth engage most frequently in service-related activities, and their activity participation is significantly associated with sense of community and psychological well-being. The utility of innovative participatory methods for better understanding the diverse experiences of homeless youth is discussed alongside examination of their practical implications.

Changes in Public Attitudes and Perceptions about Homelessness Between 1990 and 2016

“…It is important to understand public attitudes and knowledge of effective approaches to homelessness, but we only asked cursory items about housing and social assistance approaches to housing, and further study is needed on more detailed and varied approaches. Innovative methods like Geographic Information Systems (GIS) may also provide new ways of understanding diverse experiences by geography (Townley, Pearson, Lehrwyn, Prophet & Trauernicht, ). These limitations notwithstanding, our study had several strengths including recruitment of a large sample, use of survey items that are comparable to those two decades ago, consistent findings that provide confidence about its reliability, and results that contribute to contemporary information regarding public attitudes about homelessness.…”

Intrapersonal and social–contextual factors related to psychological well‐being among youth experiencing homelessness

“…Participants rated the items on a 6‐point Likert scale ranging from 1 ( strongly disagree ) to 6 ( strongly agree ). This measure has been used in previous studies of homeless youth (e.g., Townley, Pearson, Lehrwyn, Prophet, & Trauernicht, ) and demonstrated sufficient internal consistency in the current study (α = 0.76).…”

Community and well‐being: A qualitative study of how youth experiencing homelessness define community and its relations to their well‐being

“…The interviews examined in this study comprised the second part of a three‐part research project with 28 youth experiencing homelessness, with the first part involving the creation of activity maps with youth (see Townley et al, 2016) and the third part involving a brief quantitative survey. The data for this component of the project were collected via qualitative, semistructured, one‐on‐one interviews with 24 of the 28 youth who started the project (4 youth did not return to the community center after their initial visit).…”

“…Despite the risk factors and challenges faced by many youths experiencing homelessness (e.g., Coates & McKenzie‐Mohr, 2010; Mallett et al, 2005), recent research suggests that youth are often resilient as they capitalize on both internal and external resources to survive on the streets (Cleverley & Kidd, 2011; Kidd & Carroll, 2007; Kidd & Shahar, 2008). This adaptation in the face of adversity may be a key component to maintaining one's well‐being while homeless, and emerging research points to the importance of community‐factors and social support in bolstering the well‐being of youth experiencing homelessness (e.g., Bender et al, 2007; Townley et al, 2016). Considering the strong relationship between resilience and well‐being outcomes (e.g., Mak, Ng, & Wong, 2011), examining the nature of well‐being among homeless youth may be critical to understanding how youth are able to overcome the stressors of street life, as well as what can be done to bolster their chances of experiencing positive outcomes despite the adversities they face.…”