House rules: the role of structure in women's transitional housing
Date
2005
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
Homelessness is a growing social problem in America today. The fastest growing segment of the homeless population is families, specifically, single women with children. One solution to the problem of homeless families is to provide them with transitional housing, a step beyond the emergency shelter that is only a short-term answer. Transitional housing provides homeless families with a place to live for longer periods of time, typically up to two years. During this extended stay, women have the opportunity to work on gaining the independent living skills necessary to transition them into stable homes and employment. ☐ This study explored two transitional housing models and identified the program structures and supports that these particular programs have put in place to aid homeless women in regaining self-sufficiency. For the purpose of this study, structure was defined in two ways: one, the operational policies which maintain day-to-day order in the facility, and the other, policies which support the setting and achieving of goals leading to economic independence and housing stability. Qualitative interviews were conducted with women in both programs in order to examine the role that these program policies played in their success or failure at reaching independence. By examining the experiences of women in these two programs, this study was able to consider the role of structure in guiding the women in setting goals and maintaining order, and the effectiveness of these structures in assisting the women to reach goals of stable housing and employment. ☐ The findings from this research suggest that homeless women find the structure and supports of transitional housing programs helpful in developing the skills necessary for independent living. Although the women in this study initially had difficulty adjusting to life within the constraints of program policies and requirements, they came to see these rules as tools for personal growth and development. Additionally, the results of this study point to the importance of staff in assisting the women in adjusting to the structure of the program and in encouraging them to take the steps required to set and meet goals of economic independence and housing stability. ☐ Program structure provides a path for women as they make the journey from homelessness to self-sufficiency. The results of this study challenge programs to develop structures that encourage personal growth and meet women at individual need levels. By providing structural supports and supportive staff to women ready to make changes in their lives, transitional housing programs can begin to address the growing problem of homelessness, and become part of the solution.