Thesis (M.S.)--University of Delaware, 2005. / Principal faculty advisor: Ruth Fleury-Steiner, Dept. of Individual and Family Studies. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2000. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 193-200).

This study investigated the comparison between the Rich et al (1995) study done in Tampa Bay, Fl and Burt et al (2001) national study. Rich et al conducted a study of elder homeless Americans and later, Burt et al conducted a replication study on a national level using a similar study. My secondary analysis of the data covered four aspects: Demographics between the two groups of respondents; current housing issues; current alcohol, drug and mental health issues; and finally homeless services being used by both homeless, formally homeless and never homeless respondents. This was all compared to those that were 55 and older and those that were under 55. Recommendations were made concerning improvement of senior's health services by the government, and the need for more research into determining the overall seemingly underrepresented elderly homeless population.

Homelessness is one of the most complex social issues today and has become a significant and growing problem. The homeless population is a heterogeneous group with women and families among the fastest growing segment. The paucity of research specifically focusing on older homeless women does little to answer the question regarding causes of homelessness in this population. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to describe the older homeless woman's perspective of antecedents to homelessness and answer the research questions: 1) what was your life like before you became homeless and 2) what do you believe the cause of homelessness was for you? This study, guided by a feminist perspective, was conducted to explore and capture the complexities of the experience for older women. Data analysis, using qualitative content analysis techniques, identified three themes which described antecedents to homelessness. The themes were Personal Accountability, Difficult Life Circumstances and Lack of Support Networks. All themes were interrelated and offered a perspective regarding the steady progression into homelessness for older women. Themes Difficult Life Circumstances and Lack of Social Networks reflected previously documented findings, however, the theme Personal Accountability revealed antecedents not expressed before in the literature. This studies significance will be its contribution to the body of nursing knowledge through exploration and description of information regarding antecedents to homelessness and lays the groundwork for the design of appropriate interventions and future research.

This study is an analysis of the housing and life careers of a group of single homeless people who became users and re-users (recurrent users) of a Reception facility in Aberdeen. It is an attempt to answer three major sets of questions which arose in respect of such a phenomenon. Firstly, who are the users of the Reception Centre, in particular, the Recurrent users? How far do they share a common social and economic background? Is this background linked to their present circumstances? Secondly, what are they doing in between visits to the Reception Centre, if they return? Is there a circuit of housing and other situations lived in by such people? If so, of what does it comprise? Thirdly, why do certain people 'adopt' such a life-style? Are they voluntarily on the move or is their mobility and use of the Reception Centre forced upon them by domestic, economic, social, health or other reasons? The study originated out of a problem which developed in a new initiative being taken in Aberdeen to address the needs of the single homeless. An Integrated Housing System was developed comprising a range of housing, hostel and other provision for the single homeless. The pivot of the scheme, the Reception Centre, designed to assess and refer people elsewhere in the system, soon developed a recurrent user population. People were not being re-settled. Further, the Recurrent users were denying other potential residents the benefits of the new system by using up the limited bed-space at the Reception Centre. The recurrent user problem was located theoretically in the wider sociological concern with recidivism in respect of ex-prisoners, ex-psychiatric patients and ex-alcoholic hostel dwellers. A new model of recidivism was seen to be needed and subsequently developed.

Homelessness has long been a part of society and is defined by a lack of permanent residence. The approach to homelessness has varied with time and recently an effort has been made to eradicate it in the United States. Several studies have shown the deleterious effects of homelessness on an individual’s health and the cost it brings to society. Others have demonstrated improvements in cost when these individuals are provided “low threshold housing.” Low threshold housing is an approach which seeks to house individuals without many of the requirements previously in place, such as sobriety or employment. This is becoming more widely implemented. The effect of low threshold housing on specific common health conditions remains to be seen. Diabetes is an extremely common health concern which affects both the housed and homeless equally, however, it is markedly more difficult to address while homeless. This study will seek to evaluate the effects of housing upon homeless individuals diabetic control. A cohort of newly housed individuals with poorly controlled diabetes will be selected and their glycemic control documented for the year following housing. Glycemic control will be measured via an individual’s Hemoglobin A1C at 3-month intervals. The values will be compared and evaluated for significant change. This information will allow us to evaluate the effects of housing on this common medical condition and to make appropriate changes to policy going forward.

The National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty (NLCHP, 2007) recently reported that there were 1.3 million homeless children living in the United States. The voices of homeless children and youth are often silent, as the literature generally reflects their experiences only indirectly, as related by care givers or social service providers. In contrast, this study provides firsthand accounts of the difficulties encountered by children and youth who struggle to complete their educations while being homeless. This qualitative case study examines the personal and educational experiences of seven adults who had been homeless as children or youth and who graduated from high school or earned their General Education Development (GED) equivalents. Two research questions framing this study were: 1. What do the voices of adults who received a high school diploma or GED tell us about their life experiences as a homeless student? 2. What do the voices of adults who received a high school diploma or GED tell us about their educational experiences as a homeless student? Purposeful sampling was used to locate participants. The population of this study was culturally diverse and included African American and European American individuals currently between the ages of 18 and 51 years. Data was generated via interviews using a protocol designed by the author. This instrument included both fixed and open-ended questions designed to allow participants the opportunity to share their educational and personal experiences. Various forms of documents were also consulted. The constant comparative method was used to analyze the data. Three categories regarding the life experiences of homeless children and youth emerged from the study; family, the road to homelessness and homelessness. Two categories were identified pertaining to educational experiences; determination or self-motivation and sources of support. The participants' testimonies confirmed some of the existing literature regarding homeless children and youth and, in particular, supported research conducted on the attributes of resiliency. In addition, participant narratives provided insight into the struggles of a marginalized segment of the school population by allowing us to hear their stories in their own words. The National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty (NLCHP, 2007) recently reported that there were 1.3 million homeless children living in the United States. The voices of homeless children and youth are often silent, as the literature generally reflects their experiences only indirectly, as related by care givers or social service providers. In contrast, this study provides firsthand accounts of the difficulties encountered by children and youth who struggle to complete their educations while being homeless. This qualitative case study examines the personal and educational experiences of seven adults who had been homeless as children or youth and who graduated from high school or earned their General Education Development (GED) equivalents. Two research questions framing this study were: 1. What do the voices of adults who received a high school diploma or GED tell us about their life experiences as a homeless student? 2. What do the voices of adults who received a high school diploma or GED tell us about their educational experiences as a homeless student? Purposeful sampling was used to locate participants. The population of this study was culturally diverse and included African American and European American individuals currently between the ages of 18 and 51 years old. Data was generated via interviews using a protocol designed by the author. This instrument included both fixed and open-ended questions designed to allow participant the opportunity to share their educational and personal experiences. Various forms of documents were also consulted. The constant comparative method was used to analyze the data. Three categories regarding the life experiences of homeless children and youth emerged from the study; family, the road to homelessness and homelessness. Two categories were identified pertaining to educational experiences; determination or self motivation and sources of support. The participants' testimonies confirmed some of the existing literature regarding homeless children and youth, and in particular supported research conducted on the attributes of resiliency. In addition participant narratives provided insight into the struggles of a marginalized segment of the school population by allowing us to hear their stories in their own words.

Thesis (M.F.A.)--Northern Michigan University, 2009. / "14-62720." Bibliography: leaf 277.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Florida State University, 2003. / Advisor: Dr. David Sly, Florida State University, College of Social Sciences, Dept. of Sociology. Title and description from dissertation home page (viewed Oct. 7, 2003). Includes bibliographical references.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the oral health status of the Toronto adult homeless population; to learn how they perceive their own oral health; and how they interact with the dental care system. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study collected data from 191 homeless adults who were randomly selected using a stratified cluster sample at 18 shelters. A questionnaire and clinical oral examination were conducted with participants. Results: The mean Decayed/Missing/Filled Teeth (DMFT) score of the subjects was 14.4 (SD=8.1). Only 32% of them had visited a dentist during the last year; 75% believed that they had untreated dental conditions; and 40% had their last dental visit for emergency care. The clinical oral examination observed that 88% needed fillings, 70% periodontal, 60% prosthodontic and 40% emergency treatment. Conclusion: Homeless adults in Toronto have poor oral health, significant oral health treatment needs and a lack of access to dental care.