Waterloo Region (population 470,000) is the eleventh largest urban region in Canada (2006 Census tract). Within this region, in 2007, 2,831 homeless people defined as commonly living or sleeping in indoor or outdoor spaces not intended for inhabitation used emergency shelters (Homelessness and Housing Group, 2008; Regional Municipality of Waterloo Region, 2007). It is expected that individuals who have inadequate or no permanent housing are particularly exposed and sensitive to environmental conditions such as extreme heat, cold events and poor air quality. Under climate change, it can be expected that the frequency of extreme events and days when air quality fails to meet healthy guidelines may increase. A wide survey of literature from environmental issues related to homelessness in first world countries has demonstrated that there is a research gap in understanding how urban citizens experiencing or facing homelessness adapt to environmental change. Therefore, this research addresses this gap by using both the vulnerability approach to local climate change assessments, and participatory action research to better understand the specificities of adaptation, the available services and future institutional strategies that could enhance the lives of this vulnerable population in relation to local environmental change. The conclusion is that people experiencing homelessness in Waterloo Region have a low vulnerability to climate related events as the social service system which they use is well developed and the climate related events are not severe. However, the vulnerability may increase in the future if service provision changes or if there is an increase in the duration, intensity and frequency of precipitation (rain) or extreme heat days.

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the role of the Good Shepherd, a Catholic charitable organization, in the lives of those involved in it. Data collection methods consisted of semi-structured interviews and a limited amount of participant observation. A reflexive journal was also kept to help challenge and reflect on the assumptions I had as a researcher throughout the study. Three major themes emerged from data analysis: (1) experiencing complex interactions within Good Shepherd, (2) fostering a culture of support, and (3) acknowledging that everyone has a different life story. The first theme described participants’ experiences in terms of associating with other individuals involved with the organization. The second theme demonstrates the different types of support that are felt by all associated with the Good Shepherd. The third theme illustrates how those involved in the Good Shepherd learn to appreciate each individual and to value everyone’s life story. As a result of this phenomenological study, I challenged my original assumptions of those facing homelessness and developed a new understanding based on my experiences with all participants at the organization. Specifically, my beliefs changed in three ways. I learned that the problem of homelessness is a complicated phenomenon that involves more than the lack of a house, but a complex array of factors. I learned that those facing homelessness still value their dignity and constantly fight to maintain their sense of self-worth. And finally, I learned that those who are facing homelessness have not given up on life. Four recommendations for future research emerged from this study: (1) studies comparing the perspectives of staff and clients associated with charitable organizations should be examined in order to identify the discrepancies between the two, (2) the benefits of leisure stress coping should continue to be tested to see its effects on those who are faced with homelessness, (3) studies comparing the differences between leisure usage and leisure opportunities for those facing homelessness should be addressed, and finally, (4) the specific benefits of having a sense of belonging to a community for those who are homeless should be identified.

This research aimed to explore the nutritional vulnerability of homeless adult men. Using a mixed methods approach, risk factors for chronic illness, food security status, dietary intake adequacy, and how the study participants navigate the food supply system to obtain food were investigated. This study assessed differences in nutrition vulnerability between participants that use solvents and those that do not. The findings reveal that all participants were nutritionally vulnerable. A majority was overweight or obese; nearly all experienced food insecurity; and most did not meet the daily food intake guidelines established by Canada’s Food Guide. Daily efforts by participants to obtain food from charitable meal programs helped to meet physiological needs, as well as social, economic, safety and security needs. Participants using solvents had different nutritional and food experiences than non-solvent users. This was identified by a higher prevalence of severe food insecurity and social exclusion compared to non-solvent using homeless participants. This study provides important information to program planners and policy-makers necessary in order to help meet the food and nutritional needs of adult homeless populations. Findings may be translated into policies and programs aimed at improving accessibility to healthy foods.

Currently, 3.5 million people experience a lack of stable living conditions in the U.S. Families with children account for over 35% of the homeless population. As the present economy continues to struggle, this growing sector will result in more families losing their homes. The increasing volume of the homeless population, along with the fact that severe poverty and homelessness pose significant risks to child development, indicates that homelessness is a pressing social concern. This literature review seeks to explore the current research that exists pertaining to physical, psychological, social, and academic issues that impact children experiencing homelessness. Prevention and intervention strategies for school counselors are then explored in order to promote academic and emotional success for children who are homeless. Finally, recommendations for future research are presented. / text

This qualitative descriptive study described how seven older homeless women with depression characterized their homelessness, depression, and aging. The women, with a mean age of 54 years, were concerned with day-to-day survival, and contemplating aging while remaining homeless was frightening. The women described feeling depressed and most had received treatment for depression; however they did not describe their depression as hindering their ability to find housing. The themes were aging, homelessness, depression, and chronic health conditions. Homelessness contained the subthemes of addictions, loss of relationships, and lack of income. Depression contained the subthemes of history, experience, and treatment of depression. Although chronic health conditions and chronic pain were concerns for all participants, only one woman had access to ongoing health care. The majority of the women had no income. Nearly all the women had attended school beyond high school but this did not translate into better paying employment because most of them had worked at jobs with no benefits. Implications for policy development included expanding the safety net to provide housing options for homeless women in the 50-60 year range. Recommendations for practitioners included the suggestion that older homeless women be viewed as geriatric clients with care provided at that level. Future research should explore the connection between addictions and homelessness for older homeless women, the impact of chronic pain or chronic illness on their daily functioning, and the potential benefits of treating older homeless women according to standards of care developed for the geriatric general population.

Waterloo Region (population 470,000) is the eleventh largest urban region in Canada (2006 Census tract). Within this region, in 2007, 2,831 homeless people defined as commonly living or sleeping in indoor or outdoor spaces not intended for inhabitation used emergency shelters (Homelessness and Housing Group, 2008; Regional Municipality of Waterloo Region, 2007). It is expected that individuals who have inadequate or no permanent housing are particularly exposed and sensitive to environmental conditions such as extreme heat, cold events and poor air quality. Under climate change, it can be expected that the frequency of extreme events and days when air quality fails to meet healthy guidelines may increase. A wide survey of literature from environmental issues related to homelessness in first world countries has demonstrated that there is a research gap in understanding how urban citizens experiencing or facing homelessness adapt to environmental change. Therefore, this research addresses this gap by using both the vulnerability approach to local climate change assessments, and participatory action research to better understand the specificities of adaptation, the available services and future institutional strategies that could enhance the lives of this vulnerable population in relation to local environmental change. The conclusion is that people experiencing homelessness in Waterloo Region have a low vulnerability to climate related events as the social service system which they use is well developed and the climate related events are not severe. However, the vulnerability may increase in the future if service provision changes or if there is an increase in the duration, intensity and frequency of precipitation (rain) or extreme heat days.

This thesis explores homeless and street involved youth’s experiences of being kicked out from various programs and family situations and what draws them back. Using secondary data analysis from the Pathways to Resilience study, I examine the quantitative and qualitative data to determine youth’s risk and resilience processes, their past service use history, and their positive and negative experiences within these services. Homeless youth experience similar levels of risk as other high risk youth, higher individual resilience and prosocial behaviours but lower overall resilience and relationship to caregivers. Youth felt they were kicked out of services primarily due to minor rule infractions or due to their own lack of engagement with the service. Participants discussed critical aspects of engaging with service providers including whether services met their basic needs and whether relationships with staff were respectful, trusting, accepting, and non-judgmental. The implications for service design and delivery are discussed.

No description available.

Homelessness has increased in the United States over the last 15 years, but one of the most distressing trends has been the increase of homeless families. Current literature suggests that healthcare services for the homeless family may be fragmented and difficult to access. Rationale for this study was to gain understanding of homeless families, and therefore increase the effectiveness of nurses working with homeless families.This qualitative study used a Heideggerian hermaneutical phenomenological approach as the philisophical framework. A script of questions and information about the study was presented to mothers at a shelter in a group meeting. The researcher then contacted each mother to learn of the mother's desire regarding participation. Seven mothers participanted. Shelter residents were informed that they may refuse participation or withdraw from the study at any time without prejudice from the researcher. Audio-taped interviews will took place in a private vacant office at the shelter. The researcher transcribed the interviews, eliminating any information (names, cities, agencies, relatives, etc.) that could identify the participants. Transcribed interviews were analyzed for common themes identified by the mothers. Audio-tapes were destroyed after data analysis.Risks involved included possible discomfort as residents discuss issues in their past. Should a mother become emotionally distressed in the interview, the researcher was prepared to assist her to identify coping resources. i ne motners were also iniormeu that, in one unlikely event information was shared that may indicate child abuse, the researcher was required to report child abuse to the State of Indiana. Benefits included ability to express feelings in a confidential setting. A $20 item of jewelry or a household commodity was presented to participants as an honorarium after completion of the interview.The lived experience of being a homeless mother with a family can only be fully understood by the mother who has lived the experience. Six common themes were identified by the mothers who participated in this study. Lack of assistance from biological fathers, or "I can't count on him" was a contributing factor towards the mothers' circumstances. Experience of a recent traumatic event without sufficient coping skills or resources emerged as a second theme, and was described by the quote "I don't know what to do." The third theme regarding the mother's concern for meeting the needs of their children was summarized by the insight "And kid's time don't stop." The perception of ineffective or demeaning treatment by helping agencies or "They really didn't care for me" was the fourth theme. The difficulty of carrying on family life was described in the fifth theme as "Things that are hard". And finally, the sixth theme described the difficulty in finding a residence as the mothers were told by landlords repeatedly, "I really don't have anything right now."The conclusion from the study was that homeless mothers and their familys have many needs not yet met by healthcare and helping agencies. This population is overwhelmed by the stresssors they face, and principles of crisis intervention are not adequately used to assist them. At the same time, these mothers demonstrate a great deal of concern and determination to care for their children.Through this study, nurses can learn of the obstacles common to homeless mothers, and the strengths that assist homeless mothers to persist and meet the needs of their family. By better understanding homeless families, nurses can adopt a more comprehensive approach to address their healthcare needs. / School of Nursing

This research aimed to explore the nutritional vulnerability of homeless adult men. Using a mixed methods approach, risk factors for chronic illness, food security status, dietary intake adequacy, and how the study participants navigate the food supply system to obtain food were investigated. This study assessed differences in nutrition vulnerability between participants that use solvents and those that do not. The findings reveal that all participants were nutritionally vulnerable. A majority was overweight or obese; nearly all experienced food insecurity; and most did not meet the daily food intake guidelines established by Canada’s Food Guide. Daily efforts by participants to obtain food from charitable meal programs helped to meet physiological needs, as well as social, economic, safety and security needs. Participants using solvents had different nutritional and food experiences than non-solvent users. This was identified by a higher prevalence of severe food insecurity and social exclusion compared to non-solvent using homeless participants. This study provides important information to program planners and policy-makers necessary in order to help meet the food and nutritional needs of adult homeless populations. Findings may be translated into policies and programs aimed at improving accessibility to healthy foods.