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More than Just a Roof: Solutions to Better Support Families from Homelessness to Healing

Author

Listed:
  • Athina Spiropoulos

    (Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada)

  • Patricia Desjardine

    (Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Community Health Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada)

  • Jocelyn Adamo

    (Family and Youth Sector Calgary, Calgary, AB T2E 8Y3, Canada)

  • Rukhsaar Daya

    (Office of Communications and Community Engagement, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada)

  • Lisa Zaretsky

    (Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada)

  • Katrina Milaney

    (Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Community Health Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada)

Abstract

Homelessness for families in Alberta, Canada, is a growing concern despite an abundance of research and continued support for Housing First programs, and the consequences can be severe. This study used a descriptive qualitative design to examine the experiences of families currently living in or that have a history of homelessness with the goal of developing recommendations to improve system coordination. Participants included parents who had at least one dependent child while homeless ( n = 15) and staff who were currently working at a homeless support service ( n = 18). Interviews were analyzed using a thematic inductive approach and integrated using functional narrative analysis. Four themes emerged: (1) Housing as a Foundation for Success in Other Domains; (2) Challenges with System Navigation: A Door Within a Door Within a Door; (3) Services’ Contributions to Trauma; and (4) Exposure to Social Bias and Stigma Within Services. We posit several recommendations for policy and service delivery which focus on finding “homes” and building community connections, enhancing Housing First program models, expanding on existing trauma-informed approaches, and prioritizing system-level change.

Suggested Citation

  • Athina Spiropoulos & Patricia Desjardine & Jocelyn Adamo & Rukhsaar Daya & Lisa Zaretsky & Katrina Milaney, 2025. "More than Just a Roof: Solutions to Better Support Families from Homelessness to Healing," Societies, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-18, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:15:y:2025:i:4:p:94-:d:1627336
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Filipa Maria Reinhardt Andrade & Amélia Simões Figueiredo & Manuel Luís Capelas & Zaida Charepe & Sérgio Deodato, 2020. "Experiences of Homeless Families in Parenthood: A Systematic Review and Synthesis of Qualitative Evidence," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-14, April.
    2. Olivia Magwood & Amanda Hanemaayer & Ammar Saad & Ginetta Salvalaggio & Gary Bloch & Aliza Moledina & Nicole Pinto & Layla Ziha & Michael Geurguis & Alexandra Aliferis & Victoire Kpade & Neil Arya & T, 2020. "Determinants of Implementation of a Clinical Practice Guideline for Homeless Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-18, October.
    3. Hennink, Monique & Kaiser, Bonnie N., 2022. "Sample sizes for saturation in qualitative research: A systematic review of empirical tests," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 292(C).
    4. Guillermo M. Cejudo & Cynthia L. Michel, 2017. "Addressing fragmented government action: coordination, coherence, and integration," Policy Sciences, Springer;Society of Policy Sciences, vol. 50(4), pages 745-767, December.
    5. Jalene T. Anderson-Baron & Damian Collins, 2019. "‘Take whatever you can get’: practicing Housing First in Alberta," Housing Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 34(8), pages 1286-1306, September.
    6. Black, Emma B. & Fedyszyn, Izabela E. & Mildred, Helen & Perkin, Rhianna & Lough, Richard & Brann, Peter & Ritter, Cheryl, 2018. "Homeless youth: Barriers and facilitators for service referrals," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 68(C), pages 7-12.
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