Family Matters in Ontario: Understanding and Addressing Homelessness Among Newcomer Families in Canada

Background Canada, a key player in global humanitarian affairs is faced with enormous challenges in relation to housing and homelessness. As international migration continues to occur, homelessness among immigrant families is increasing worldwide; a situation that needs urgent attention and action. Purpose We designed this study to explore the needs of homeless families, identify risk factors associated with family homelessness, and to find strategies that could assist in mitigating and preventing homelessness among families in Canada. Methods This paper reports qualitative findings from a focused ethnographic study embedded in participatory action research that explored the experiences of 11 immigrant families with housing challenges in Ontario Canada. Results Thematic analysis yielded five (5) major themes: life challenges; lack of understanding of the system; difficulty with conflict resolution; escaping as a solution for hardship; and reducing immigrant family homelessness. Conclusion Findings from the study highlight the urgent need for advocacy and a well-tailored supportive housing policy to address family homelessness in Ontario.

When the Old Will No Longer Do: School and Community Practices for Student Homelessness Amid COVID-19

In this qualitative case study, we employ 29 semistructured interviews and an array of supplemental data to explore why and how COVID-19 shaped school and community practices around student and family homelessness in Houston, Texas. Drawing on Small’s notion of organizational embeddedness, we find that COVID-19 fundamentally altered school and community practices, as educators and providers faced resource constraints, new concerns about safety, and evolving student and family needs. Providers struggled to meet the depth of need stemming from COVID-19; however, they also embraced innovation in adapting their practices to the pandemic era. We find that this adaptation occurred along a continuum, ranging from pausing or stopping existing practices to developing new practices from scratch. We conclude with implications for theory, research, policy, and practice.

Income Support Policies and the Rise of Student and Family Homelessness

This study investigates whether the generosity and accessibility of publicly provided income support contributes to levels of family homelessness. Using data on student homelessness from most public school districts in the United States, I find that greater access to cash assistance from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program reduces levels of family homelessness and that the reduction is particularly strong for majority–Black and Native American school districts. The results suggest that the observed decline in access to TANF cash assistance may be an important driver of the rise in family homelessness. Evidence is inconclusive about whether greater access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or greater generosity of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) reduces levels of homelessness.

Faith-based responses to homelessness in Greater Seattle: A grounded theory approach

This article reports on the key findings of a 2-year study of faith-based responses to homelessness in Greater Seattle (the United States). Leveraging opportunities and negotiating constraints through experimentation, congregations, and faith-based non-profits, in different ways, are striving to blend local knowledge and professional knowledge, the adaptability of bottom-up civic engagement and the complexities of top-down programming to rethink homelessness interventions. After considering this picture of faith-based organizations (FBOs) as community problem solvers, we sketch three case studies of innovative initiatives: the Network Builders program of Catholic Community Services of Western Washington-King County, the interfaith and cross-sectoral campaign against family homelessness spearheaded by Associated Ministries of Tacoma-Pierce County, and the Para-Navigator partnership between Everett Gospel Mission and the municipal government of Snohomish County.

"It's Real": Experiences of Family Homelessness in Fort Worth, Texas

Despite the common public image of homelessness (read: a single “vagrant” person), families with children represent one-third of the homeless population—an especially-serious social problem, since family homelessness has long-term negative impacts on two generations simultaneously. This interdisciplinary study examined the complexities of family homelessness in Fort Worth, Texas. A literature review outlined pathways into family homelessness, shared experiences, and common intervention strategies. An original qualitative study followed, employing a phenomenological approach to interview families in a local rapid-rehousing program. Open-ended question allowed free description of personal realities. Audio-recorded responses were analyzed for relevant themes, commonalities, and variations. Findings suggested that Fort Worth families’ pathways into homelessness are consistent with “life shock theory,” whereby those already financially-strained suddenly experience compounding stresses, leading to homelessness. The study found local and national experiences to be similar; however, it was limited by a convenience sample exclusively comprised of women nearing a housing goal, potentially coloring their outlooks. Finally, the study raised the question whether rapidly-rehoused Fort Worth families are well-positioned for stability. The similarity of participants’ concerns pre- and post-homelessness suggested that some families may transition to a status still “at risk,” rather than “stably-housed.” Considered in the context of previous research, findings supported further interdisciplinary inquiry into how longer-term, post-housing support might promote housing stability.

"It's Real": Experiences of Family Homelessness in Fort Worth, Texas

Despite the common public image of homelessness (read: a single “vagrant” person), families with children represent one-third of the homeless population—an especially-serious social problem, since family homelessness has long-term negative impacts on two generations simultaneously. This interdisciplinary study examined the complexities of family homelessness in Fort Worth, Texas. A literature review outlined pathways into family homelessness, shared experiences, and common intervention strategies. An original qualitative study followed, employing a phenomenological approach to interview families in a local rapid-rehousing program. Open-ended question allowed free description of personal realities. Audio-recorded responses were analyzed for relevant themes, commonalities, and variations. Findings suggested that Fort Worth families’ pathways into homelessness are consistent with “life shock theory,” whereby those already financially-strained suddenly experience compounding stresses, leading to homelessness. The study found local and national experiences to be similar; however, it was limited by a convenience sample exclusively comprised of women nearing a housing goal, potentially coloring their outlooks. Finally, the study raised the question whether rapidly-rehoused Fort Worth families are well-positioned for stability. The similarity of participants’ concerns pre- and post-homelessness suggested that some families may transition to a status still “at risk,” rather than “stably-housed.” Considered in the context of previous research, findings supported further interdisciplinary inquiry into how longer-term, post-housing support might promote housing stability.