New Homelessness Resource Center Articles

Correlates of Frailty Among Homeless Adults

2013-05-21T02:43:32

Frailty, a relatively unexplored concept among vulnerable populations, may be a significant issue for homeless adults. This cross-sectional study assessed correlates of frailty among middle age and older homeless adults (N = 150, 40-73). A Pearson (r) bivariate correlation revealed a weak relationship between frailty and being female (r = .230, p < .01). Significant moderate negative correlations were found between frailty and resilience (r = −.395, p < .01), social support (r = −.377, p < .01), and nutrition (r = −.652, p < .01). Furthermore, Spearman’s rho (r_s) bivariate correlations revealed a moderate positive relationship between frailty and health care utilization (r_s = .444, p < .01). A stepwise backward linear regression analysis was conducted and in the final model, age, gender, health care utilization, nutrition, and resilience were significantly related to frailty. Over the next two decades, there is an anticipated increase in the number of homeless adults which will necessitate a greater understanding of the needs of this hard-to-reach population.

Journal Name: Western Journal of Nursing Research

Hearing the Silent Voices: Narratives of Health Care and Homelessness

Wise, Caitlin; Phillips, Kenneth — 2013-05-21T02:34:45

Most homeless individuals lack adequate health care. With existing literature as a backdrop, this study sought to understand the experience of homeless persons in the health care system. Using a phenomenological approach, 11 homeless participants were interviewed and the transcripts from these interviews were analyzed for meaning. The health care experiences of the participants could be understood only when viewed within the context of homelessness. The four polar themes that emerged from the analysis—same/different, fair/unfair, freedom/barriers, and choice/no choice—highlighted the great divide between the health care experiences of those with a home and those without. Such understanding can help mental health nurses provide more appropriate care to this population.

Journal Name: Issues in Mental Health Nursing

Predictors of Transience Among Homeless Emerging Adults

Ferguson, Kristin M.; Bender, Kimberly; Thompson, Sanna J. — 2013-05-21T02:29:24

This study identified predictors of transience among homeless emerging adults in three cities. A total of 601 homeless emerging adults from Los Angeles, Austin, and Denver were recruited using purposive sampling. Ordinary least squares regression results revealed that significant predictors of greater transience include White ethnicity, high school degree or equivalent, homeless residence in the 6 months prior to the study, longer period of homelessness, history of arrest and juvenile detention, earning income through informal sources, history of physical abuse, alcohol/drug addiction, and resilience characteristics. Quantitative findings were expanded upon with data from in-depth interviews with 145 of these homeless emerging adults regarding their reasons and motivations for transience. Identifying predictors of transience will facilitate customizing interventions that, when needed, aim to stabilize homeless emerging adults, prevent their mobility, and/or offer mobile services to them on the road.

Journal Name: Journal of Adolescent Research

Subjective Health-Related Quality of Life in Homeless and Vulnerably Housed Individuals and Its Relationship with Self-Reported Physical and Mental Health Status

Gadermann, Anne M.; Hubley, Anita M.; Russell, Lara B.; Palepu, Anita — 2013-05-21T02:23:56

Although the association between homelessness and objective indicators of poor health is well-established, little research has focused on the subjective health-related quality of life of homeless and vulnerably housed (HVH) individuals. This study examined the subjective health-related quality of life of HVH individuals, using the Multiple Discrepancies Theory (MDT) Scale for Health of the Quality of Life for Homeless and Hard-to-House Individuals (QoLHHI) Inventory, and its association with self-reported functional health status, as measured by the SF-12, and self-reported physical and mental health conditions in a sample of 100 HVH individuals recruited in Vancouver, Toronto and Ottawa. Our findings indicate that physical and mental health conditions are highly prevalent among HVH individuals and that the SF-12 Physical and Mental Component Summary scores are substantially lower compared to US population norms. The MDT Health items were not statistically significantly associated with physical or mental health conditions and only showed correlations of small to moderate magnitude with the SF-12 Component Summary Scales. These findings suggest that the QoLHHI MDT Scale for Health can provide information about HVH individuals’ subjective health experiences that is different from, and can serve as a valuable complement to, health status information for use in research and evaluation studies, as well as for policy purposes to make informed decisions based on subjective health-related quality of life data from HVH individuals.

Journal Name: Social Indicators Research

Aging Trends in Homeless Populations

2013-05-21T02:09:52

Longitudinal data suggests that the single adult homeless population is going through a demographic transition, where the overall population is aging but there are indications that a younger cohort may be emerging. Scholars Dennis P. Culhane, Stephen Metraux, Thomas Byrne, Magdi Stino, and Jay Bainbridge argue that interventions at both ends of this transition: housing the aging and increasingly infirm elements of this population while diverting at-risk younger populations from homelessness, have the potential to make a lasting reduction in this population.

Journal Name: Contexts

The impact of unstable housing on emergency department use in a cohort of HIV-positive people in a Canadian setting

2013-05-21T01:43:58

The social–structural challenges experienced by people living with HIV (PHA) have been shown to contribute to increased use of the emergency department (ED). This study identified factors associated with frequent and nonurgent ED use within a cohort of people accessing antiretroviral therapy (ART) in a Canadian setting. Interviewer-administered surveys collected socio-demographic information; clinical variables were obtained through linkages with the provincial drug treatment registry; and ED admission data were abstracted from the Department of Emergency Medicine database. Multivariate logistic regression was used to compute odds of frequent and nonurgent ED use. Unstable housing was independently associated with ED use (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] =1.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24–3.04]), having three or more ED visits within 6 months of the interview date [AOR: 2.03 (95% CI: 1.07–3.83)] and being triaged as nonurgent (AOR = 2.71, 95% CI: 1.19–6.17). Frequent and nonurgent use of the ED in this setting is associated with conditions requiring interventions at the social–structural level. Supportive housing may contribute to decreased health-care costs and improved health outcomes amongst marginalized PHA.

Journal Name: AIDS Care: Psychological and Socio-medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV

Patterns of Homelessness and Implications for HIV Health After Release from Jail

2013-05-21T01:33:24

This empirical study examines the association between substance abuse, mental illness, health behaviors and different patterns of homelessness among recently released, HIV-infected jail detainees. Using longitudinal data from a 10-site study, we examine correlates of homelessness, transitions to and from stable housing and the effect of housing on HIV treatment outcomes. Based on our analysis, we found evidence that the transitions from homelessness are closely associated with a reduction in the use of alcohol and illicit drugs, a decline in drug addiction severity, and an improvement in mental health. In addition, we found evidence that disparities in the housing status contributed substantially to the observed gap in the HIV treatment outcomes between homeless and non-homeless patients, including in achievement of virological suppression over time.

Journal Name: AIDS and Behavior

Community Engagement: Computer Skills for the Homeless

Cox, Fannie M. — 2013-05-21T01:22:54

What does it mean to provide information literacy skills? The number of homeless people is growing regardless of their socio-economic status, age, gender, race, religion, or ethnicity. An Outreach Librarian from a university developed a community partnership to teach computer skills to residents of a homeless shelter. This paper presents the benefits, impacts, and outcomes of these classes for both the residents and librarians.

Organization: American Library Association

Gardening for the Mental Well-Being of Homeless Women

Grabbe, Linda; Ball, Janell; Goldstein, Allison — 2013-05-21T01:09:17

Journal Name: Journal of Holistic Nursing

Barriers to and Interventions for Improved Tuberculosis Detection and Treatment among Homeless and Immigrant Populations: A Literature Review

Tankimovich, Mariya — 2013-05-21T01:05:18

Tuberculosis (TB) cases worldwide have declined over the last 10 years, but strong barriers to detection and treatment of TB still exist, especially among 2 special subgroups of low-income populations, immigrants and the homeless, where the incidence of TB can be up to 20 times higher than the general population even in affluent countries. A systematic review of literature was performed, aimed at identifying the main (1) barriers to and (2) effective interventions for the improved detection and treatment of TB in homeless and immigrant populations. Data were collected from 22 studies out of 80 potentially relevant citations worldwide published between 1998 and 2012. Key findings show that hard-to-reach groups like immigrants and the homeless seem willing to obtain care if they believe it is important, but any new detection/treatment efforts must go beyond current bio-medical models to bio-psychosocial models of the target populations’ cultural values. Preliminary results also suggest that the best interventions for the homeless and immigrant populations will be a combination of, at least, monetary incentive and improved accessibility of care.

Journal Name: Journal of Community Health Nursing

Reducing Service and Substance Use Among Frequent Service Users: A Brief Report From the Toronto Community Addictions Team

2013-05-21T11:11:54

The Toronto Community Addictions Team (TCAT) is an intensive case management intervention designed to serve people with addictions who are frequent service users, thus addressing a health system priority. Questionnaires given to 65 participants at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months and semi-structured interviews of 10 program participants explored participants’ outcomes and experiences with the program. Qualitative findings, analyzed using thematic content analysis, suggest that participants value the program's commitment to harm reduction, financial trusteeship, and recovery orientation. Quantitative findings from paired t-tests reveal that participants improved in community functioning and decreased days of problematic substance use and money spent on alcohol and drugs as early as 3 months after program participation. Future research should used a controlled design and explore predictors of positive outcomes in this vulnerable population.

Journal Name: Substance Use & Misuse

Homelessness and child welfare involvement: risks for co-occurring mental health symptoms and substance use?

Thornton, Tiffany; Goldstein, Abby; Tonmyr, Lil — 2013-05-21T11:00:51

The association between homelessness, current or past history of child welfare involvement and substance use is a concern in Canada. As a result, the youth often share common experiences of maltreatment, victimization, mental health symptoms and substance use. This study was designed to examine the factors associated with co-occurring mental health symptoms and substance use among 219 youth participants aged 16–21: 150 were homeless and 69 currently involved with child welfare. Two data sets were used to conduct the analyses: The Youth Pathways Project and the Maltreatment and Adolescent Pathways Longitudinal Study. The results indicate that youth who were homeless experience significant mental health symptoms and substance use, particularly when there is a history of involvement in child welfare. Homelessness is also associated with co-occurring mental health symptoms and substance use when there is a history of child welfare involvement whereas current child welfare involvement without homelessness appears to be protective. Implications for interventions and policy development are discussed, with reference to strategies targeting both youth who are homeless and those with a history of child welfare involvement.

Journal Name: International Journal of Mental Health Promotion

Living in Two Worlds

Batuner, David — 2013-05-21T10:44:05

Native American communities experience disproportionate levels of homelessness, substance use, and mental health issues. Jimi Kelley, from the First Nation’s Behavioral Health Association, speaks about his experiences, shares his views on the struggles of Native American communities, and expresses his hopes for addressing and eliminating these issues in the future.

Organization: SAMHSA

Tags: feature; Native Americans; minority health; healthcare; mental health

Crossing Borders—Sharing Untold Stories Through Images and Text

Miller, Niki — 2013-05-21T10:31:16

After 15 years abroad, photojournalist Susan Robens returned to Portland, Oregon where she brought the Crossing Borders project to local shelter residents. The international project has been in Haiti, Bosnia, Iraq, Jerusalem, and the West Bank. Now in Portland, Crossing Borders offers a series of photography workshops where participants are supplied with disposable cameras, group support, and the technical skills to capture images that give voice to their lives.

Organization: SAMHSA

Tags: feature; activism; stories; voices

A qualitative exploration of relations and interactions between people who are homeless and use drugs and staff in homeless hostel accommodation

Stevenson, Caral — 2013-05-21T10:27:45

This article explores relations and interactions between hostel staff and people who are homeless, use drugs (PHUD) and stay in hostels and shelters. Methods: Data collection took place in six areas of South Central England. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 40 participants who were staying or had recently stayed in an emergency hostel or shelter. Recordings were professionally transcribed and coded and analysed using Framework. Results: Despite there being some positive experiences, generally PHUD had negative experiences of living in hostels. Poor treatment, not listening, lack of privacy, infantilization and unprofessionalism emerged as key themes and impeded the development of social capital. Conclusions: Hostel staff are not always assigned a therapeutic role. However evidence from the current study suggests that care and consideration may go a long way in aiding homeless drug users’ progression in hostel settings.

Journal Name: Journal of Substance Use

It’s What Home Should Feel Like

Thom, Katherine — 2013-05-21T10:18:44

The field of recovery services is undergoing a shift away from its traditional short-term, acute care model towards a model focused on sustained recovery. Recovery housing, an innovative approach to recovery, is gaining support and momentum on a national level due to its focus on empowering and supporting residents who live in sober communities of their own creation.

Organization: SAMHSA

Tags: feature; recovery; Recovery Support; substance abuse; housing

Sixth Report Card on Homelessness in Greater Moncton - 2013

2013-05-21T09:52:38

The 6th Report Card on Homelessness documents the current state of homelessness in Greater Moncton. We have many positive changes to report for 2012, and some not so positive. Food Bank use continues to be at an all-time high. The number of people on the waiting list for subsidized housing jumped by 24% to 1,219, compared to a year earlier. And only 15 new subsidized housing units were added to the inventory in Greater Moncton.

Organization: The Greater Moncton Homelessness Steering Committee

On the Brink? A Pilot Study of the Homelessness Assets and Risk Tool (HART) to Identify those at Risk of Becoming Homeless

2013-05-17T12:24:38

Homelessness has become an all-too pervasive and visible problem in Canada. It has spread from large urban centres to rural, northern and remote communities. While a number of programs have been developed to address the needs of the homeless in the hope of re-housing them, a large population of those at risk of homelessness receive little attention until their needs become dire. There are both societal and individual costs to be borne when this occurs. Preventing homelessness has the potential to save countless individuals from the misery of life on the streets. However, with the major effort focusing on assisting those that become homeless, where does one start to prevent this significant social ill? The few authors who have written about prevention provide no clear answers, but raise the importance of prevention as a focus (Burt, Pearson & Montgomery, 2007, US; Moses, Kresky-Wolf, Bassuk & Broundstein, 2007, US; Wireman, 2007, US). One key question is how to define the population of those at risk of becoming homeless. The research team originally conducted a literature review summarizing research, particularly published studies from the past decade or so, that focus on the risk factors, predictors and pathways in and out of homelessness (Tutty et al., 2009). Unpublished research reports from reputable organization, especially Canadian ones, were also included. Our primary focus was on factors that differentiate those that have become absolutely homeless from those that are on the cusp of homelessness, either being relatively homeless, or living in hidden homelessness. As such, the analysis focused particularly on studies that differentiated between these groups. We also searched for articles on resilience and protective factors, again finding relatively few. These assets and protective factors formed the core of a screening tool, The Homelessness Assets and Risk Screening Tool (HART) that could be used to identify vulnerability to homelessness in at-risk populations, but those not yet experiencing homelessness, in the hope of providing early interventions. The purpose of the current research is to test the validity of the HART, including its predictive validity with respect to identifying those at risk of homelessness. A second objective was to determine the applicability of the HART tool in a Calgary context and assess the tool’s feasibility from an administrative perspective. This was achieved by utilizing the HART tool with an initial sample of service recipients at multiple community agencies within the city of Calgary. This allowed us to test the tool’s content validity (the ability to capture elements of risk) by comparing responses to the HART to responses to the ETHOS (described below) and to test the HART’s predictive validity (ability to predict homelessness) by tracking a sub-sample of participants over a one-year period.

Organization: Calgary Homeless Foundation

Conducting Homeless Counts On Native American Lands: A Toolkit

Oberdorfer, Eric ; Anderson, Jacquelyn; Reah, Leah C.D. — 2013-05-17T08:28:02

This report serves as a resource for tribal communities that wish to conduct accurate homeless counts to more effectively serve the needs of their populations (Authors).

Organization: Housing Assistance Council

Tags: rural homelessness; Native Americans; housing; homeless counts

Services for Seniors in Toronto

2013-05-16T11:14:57

Welcome to the first edition of “Services for Seniors” from the City of Toronto’s Shelter, Support and Housing Administration Division. The focus of this guide is to provide vulnerable seniors and their caregivers with information about services that can help them to maintain their independence and stay housed. The listings are restricted to programs and services provided by governments and non-profit organizations. These are offered in Toronto unless otherwise indicated. Services are grouped according to subject with an index provided at the back to help you locate information. While general information about service access and eligibility criteria is provided along with service descriptions, it is important to note that many programs have waiting lists, catchment areas or other criteria that may not be listed. Also, information may have changed since time of publication. Please call ahead to verify information and avoid a wasted trip.

Organization: City of Toronto’s Shelter, Support and Housing Administration Division

Passion Professionalism Performance CMHC 2012 Annual Report

2013-05-15T11:11:52

“Providing a detailed examination of CMHC’s performance in 2012, this report includes in-depth information on CMHC’s mortgage loan insurance and securitization activities that have promoted an accessible, competitive and stable mortgage market throughout Canada,” said Karen Kinsley, President and Chief Executive Officer of CMHC. “At the same time, the quality of the loans in our insured portfolio underscores our ongoing commitment to robust underwriting and risk management practices.” CMHC helps ensure the stability and efficiency of Canada’s housing finance system by managing its mortgage loan insurance and securitization activities in a responsible, commercially viable manner, while minimizing risk to Canadian taxpayers. CMHC does this while continuing to be the only insurer of loans for large multi-unit rental properties, including nursing and retirement homes. In addition, a significant percentage of CMHC’s high ratio homeowner units are in rural areas and smaller communities. Together, these types of loans made up 47.2% of CMHC’s total rental and high ratio homeowner business in 2012.

Organization: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

Beyond Homelessness: Final report 2013

Tabner, Katey — 2013-05-14T10:29:41

The Beyond Homelessness research studied Scottish Local Authorities, service providers and those affected by homelessness over a three year period (2010-2013) to understand the impact of a networks approach on support delivery and the outcomes for service users. It aimed to demonstrate the positive impact supportive relationships can have for those affected by homelessness and how the use of a networks approach can help deliver sustainable support outcomes.

Organization: The Rock Trust Edinburgh

A Housing Strategy For Nova Scotia

2013-05-14T09:49:01

We launched a conversation with Nova Scotians over our most pressing, fundamental housing challenges. And with insight and ideas from over 500 individuals and organizations, we’ve crafted our province’s first Housing Strategy, one that stresses affordability, choice, partnership and community-building.

Organization: Province of Nova Scotia

Integrated housing model for Aboriginal youth - Foyers for youth organized through the bands

McGee, Susan — 2013-05-13T03:29:31

Responding to Youth Homelessness: A Systems Approach Learning Series - Session #5 Keynote: Susan McGee, Homeward Trust Edmonton In the fifth session of this Learning Series, Susan McGee shares an integrated housing model for Aboriginal youth - Foyers for youth organized through the bands.

Literature Review: Library Services for Low-Income and Homeless Users

Hansen, Stephanie — 2013-05-09T04:45:15

Libraries are responsible for providing equal service to all users, though not all users have the same information needs, making equal service a tough endeavor. Librarians should carefully learn about their community when planning programs and services so that users have relevant information available to them at their local library. One user group in particular, however, requires special attention, as their information needs are very different from most. Homeless and low-income users deserve the same access to information and services through their local library, but literature suggests that this audience is more difficult to reach, despite their strong need for information about day-to-day survival.

Organization: SLIS-University of North Texas

Disrupting Myths of Poverty in the Face of Resistance

Pollock, Katina; Lopez, Ann; Joshee, Reva — 2013-05-09T04:33:47

This case disrupts some of the prevalent myths about families from low-income and poor households held by educators. Recognizing the inherent tensions, this case demonstrates the importance of creating equitable and inclusive learning environments. We presented some of the challenges faced by Marcus, a progressive principal, as he attempts to challenge the myths about low-income and poor families held by his teaching staff to create a positive and inclusive learning environment where all students can learn.

Journal Name: Journal of Cases in Educational Leadership

Homeless Youth in Philadelphia: An innovative method for identifying youth who are homeless

Perlman, Staci; Willard, Joe — 2013-05-09T04:28:53

At least one out of every twenty high school students enrolled in the School District of Philadelphia has experienced homelessness or has been kicked out or has run-away from home. Left unaddressed, these experiences place these youth at increased risk of dropping out of high school, unemployment, and adult homelessness. In spite of this, little is known about these youth or their experiences. Information on the prevalence and experiences of youth homelessness is needed to inform the development of interventions and policies that promote positive well-being for this vulnerable population. The purpose of this report is to share data from a Philadelphia-based study of youth homelessness. This report presents responses from Philadelphia public high school students who participated in the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) in 2009 and 2011. Most of the survey questions focus on risk behaviors ranging from smoking to symptoms of depression.

Organization: People’s Emergency Center

Helping Older African American Homeless Women Get and Stay Out of Homelessness: Reflections on Lessons Learned From Long-Haul Developmental Action Research

Moxley, David P.; Washington, Olivia G. M. — 2013-05-09T04:23:18

Inspired by narrative theory, the authors offer a storied perspective on collaborative developmental action research in which, over a ten-year period, they designed, tested, and refined practices and tools useful in addressing homelessness among older African American women in a Midwestern city. We consider how progressive ideas interacting with social and organizational learning guided our efforts to translate an understanding of homelessness among older minority women into personal support and social action that the women found beneficial. By prototyping advocacy, group work, and community building and by employing the arts in social action, the project created a distinctive participatory practice knowledge base.

Journal Name: Journal of Progressive Human Services

Correlates of HIV Risk Behaviors Among Homeless and Unstably Housed Young Adults

2013-05-09T04:18:39

Journal Name: Public Health Reports

“Well, if you can’t smile you should go home!” Experiences and reflective insights on providing outreach to young sex trade workers

Saldanha, Kennedy; Parenteau, Derek — 2013-05-09T03:58:26

This case study relates experiences and candid reflections of front-line staff in the STAND program (Street Trade Alternatives and New Directions) providing outreach to young sex trade workers in downtown Toronto. The authors describe how this project came to be and the lessons learned in setting it up and providing services to this vulnerable, very hard to reach but resilient population. Through a sharing of tales and narratives of outreach, the authors corroborate some of the reasons why there is much written on outreach but little specifically about reaching out to sex trade workers. The traditional response and approach in working with children and youth is also questioned in the light of negotiating power, building relationships, and actively waiting for the client to lead the change process.

Journal Name: Children and Youth Services Review

Barriers to Education in Homeless Youth

Solomon, Michelle S. — 2013-05-09T03:52:21

Most homeless youth in Canada have not completed high school. Lack of education is a critical issue that affects pathways to gainful employment, financial security, and positive health. Several risk factors affect their ability to succeed in school; however, there has been limited research in Canada that identifies the most influential factors. This study is a secondary analysis of the Youth Matters in London: Mental Health, Addiction and Homelessness study in London Ontario. It is guided by Bronfenbrenner’s ecological theory of human development. The effects of several environmental factors on the academic achievement of 187 homeless youth with mental health and addiction issues were assessed using logistic regression. Results indicated that housing stability was the most significant predictor of academic achievement. This study has implications for affordable, accessible housing and educational program policy that will assist youth with their academic achievement.

High rates of head injury among homeless and low-income housed men: a retrospective cohort study

Svoboda, Tomislav; Ramsay, Jason T — 2013-05-09T03:49:01

Journal Name: Emergency Medical Journal

Housing and harm reduction: What is the role of harm reduction in addressing homelessness?

Pauly, Bernadette (Bernie); Reist, Dan; Belle-Isle, Lynne; Schactman, Chuck — 2013-05-09T03:35:52

Homelessness and drug use often overlap and the harms of substance use are exacerbated by homelessness. Responding to the twin problems of homelessness and substance use is an important aspect of strategies to end homelessness. The introduction and development of ten year plans to end homelessness in North America heralds a new era of systemic responses to homelessness. Central to many of these plans is the adoption of ‘Housing First’ as a policy response. Housing First focuses directly on housing people regardless of current patterns of substance use. As such, harm reduction is a key principle of Housing First. In this paper, we examine Housing First as an example of the integration of housing and harm reduction and then put forth a community level policy framework to further promote the integration of harm reduction as part of a response to homelessness. Drawing on Rhodes’ risk environment framework and current evidence of Housing First and harm reduction, we describe four key policy areas for action: (1) social inclusion policies; (2) adequate and appropriate supply of housing; (3) on demand harm reduction services and supports and (4) systemic and organizational infrastructure. We conclude by identifying areas for future research.

Journal Name: International Journal of Drug Policy

Deservingness, children in poverty, and collective well being

Cousins, Linwood H. — 2013-05-09T03:28:35

Rising numbers of children and families have been thrust into poverty. However, debates about poverty policies and aid are in fact debates about ourselves—our logic of life and our humanity—as a nation, a culture, a people; and social welfare programs will always be underfunded and of limited effectiveness if people don't believe in them due to their ambivalence and confusion about poverty. Because poor children are innocent and indisputably dependent on adult caretakers, they may be our route out of this malaise. Their circumstance and our aspirations as a nation to be just, fair, and progressive, force us to resolve the confusion, conflict and ambivalence that fuel ineffective and inhumane social welfare policies and practices.

Journal Name: Children and Youth Services Review

Promising Practices to Help Children and Youth who have been Exposed to Violence.

2013-05-09T03:18:59

Children and youth in challenging contexts, both in Canada and overseas, face common threats to their mental health that can be better addressed when researchers, service providers, practitioners, and communities pool their knowledge, resources, and lessons learned of what works best for improving young peoples’ mental health. If these groups continue to work within their occupational and disciplinary boundaries, they will fail to mobilize the full potential of the evidence documented by researchers, the practice-related knowledge of service providers and practitioners, and the local knowledge of communities. The CYCC Network was developed in response to this need and in the summer of 2013, released three thematic knowledge synthesis reports: violence, technology, and youth engagement. Violence against children and youth, in particular, is a complex public health problem that affects communities worldwide, and can lead to potentially devastating consequences for young people and their families if left unaddressed. To tackle this problem, a coordinated effort to share and document best practices for addressing young peoples’ mental health needs is urgently needed. Without opportunities to share this knowledge, there is a risk of delivering potentially ineffective interventions that are difficult for young people and their families to access or relate to. Additionally, poorly-researched or evaluated interventions often ignore the structural barriers (e.g. limited access to mental health practitioners, stigma, and a lack of resources to evaluate programs) that shape young peoples’ mental health and wellbeing. In light of these challenges, the knowledge synthesis report on violence explores the effective strategies used among children and youth in challenging contexts who have been exposed to violence, in order to help them overcome trauma and feel safe in their families, schools, and communities.

Organization: CYCC Network

Unmet Need for Medical Care and Safety Net Accessibility among Birmingham’s Homeless

2013-05-09T03:09:33

Although homeless individuals often experience health problems requiring care, there are limitations to available research concerning the scale of their needs and the accessibility of safety net agencies to meet them. Traditional access-to-care surveys calculate unmet need among all persons queried (rather than persons needing care), making it difficult to calculate what percentage of persons requiring care actually obtain it. Additionally, no research has compared the relative accessibility of safety net programs to homeless persons in need. This cross-sectional, community-based survey assessed the prevalence of unmet need for several specific types of health care and compared the accessibility of agencies in Birmingham, AL. Substantial proportions of respondents reported unmet needs for general medical care (46 %), specialty care (51 %), mental health care (51 %), dental care (62 %), medications (57 %), and care of a child (23 %). The most commonly mentioned sites where care was sought included a federally funded Health Care for the Homeless (HCH) program (59 %), a religious free clinic (31 %), and a public hospital emergency department (51 %). The HCH program was most commonly cited as the location where care, once sought, could not be obtained (15 %), followed by the county hospital primary care clinics (13 %). In this survey, unmet need was common for all types of care queried, including primary care. Key components of the safety net, including a federally funded homeless health care program, had suboptimum accessibility.

Journal Name: Journal of Urban Health

Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) 55: Behavioral Health Services for People Who Are Homeless

2013-05-09T03:03:34

This TIP covers a broad range of skills and resources useful in work with people experiencing homelessness or at significant risk for homelessness. For instance, the TIP addresses different types of homelessness: transitional,episodic, and chronic. It provides information on different resources and services for people who lack adequate housing, including emergency, temporary, transitional supportive, and permanent supportive housing resources. It describes a variety of strategies that are instrumental in services to people who are homeless, including outreach, initial screening and evaluation, early intervention and stabilization, coordination with other resources in the community, treatment planning, case management, client retention in treatment and rehabilitation, and relapse prevention and recovery management. It also sensitizes clinicians to the special effects of psychological trauma, both as a precursor and a contributing factor to homelessness and as a secondary outcome of homelessness. The TIP considers the effects of co-occurring disorders as a causative factor of homelessness and the special needs of clients who are homeless and have co-occurring substance use and mental disorders.

Organization: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Hidden in Plain Sight: An Assessment of Youth Inclusion in Point-in-Time Counts of California’s Unsheltered Homeless Population

Auerswald, Colette L.; Lin, Jessica; Petry, Laura; Hyatt, Shahera — 2013-05-09T02:49:10

Homeless youth are a hidden population that has historically been undercounted in local, state, and federal efforts to enumerate the homeless population. In recent years, researchers and advocates have emphasized the importance of considering the needs of homeless youth as a distinct sub-population of the homeless population overall. A clear recognition has emerged that improvements to the wellbeing of homeless youth in the US must be informed by accurate data regarding the prevalence and composition of the homeless youth population. In 2013, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, which mandates communities receiving federal funds for homelessness programming to conduct a biennial Point-in-Time (PIT) count of their unsheltered homeless populations, required for the first time that communities report the number of unsheltered, unaccompanied minors and 18 to 24-year-old youth (known as transition age youth, or TAY). Prior to this, CoCs had been required to report the numbers of unaccompanied minors but had not been required to record or report numbers of TAY separately from their adult homeless population. Communities have had a range of responses to this new directive, from changing little about their practices to establishing separate youth-specific count initiatives.

Organization: California Homeless Youth Project

Homeless Youths’ HIV Risk Behaviors with Strangers: Investigating the Importance of Social Networks

Tyler, Kimberly A. — 2013-05-09T02:42:40

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between homeless youths’ HIV risk behaviors with strangers and risk and protective characteristics of their social networks. Data were from the Social Network and Homeless Youth Project. A total of 249 youth aged 14–21 years were interviewed over 15 months in three Midwestern cities in the United States using a systematic sampling strategy. Multivariate results revealed that homeless youth with a greater average number of network members who engaged in more drug risk behaviors and who pressured them into precarious behaviors at least once were more likely to have participated in a greater number of HIV risk behaviors with strangers compared to homeless youth without such network characteristics. Additionally, 19–21 year olds, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered youth, and those who have run away from home more frequently, participated in more HIV risk behaviors with strangers than 14–18 year olds, heterosexual youth, and those who have run away less often. The final model explained 43 % of the variance in homeless youths’ HIV risk behaviors with strangers. It is important to identify network characteristics that are harmful to homeless youth because continued exposure to such networks and participation in dangerous behaviors may result in detrimental outcomes, including contraction of sexually transmitted infections and potentially HIV.

Journal Name: Archives of Sexual Behavior

Increasing Hepatitis C Knowledge Among Homeless Adults: Results of a Community-Based, Interdisciplinary Intervention

2013-05-09T02:39:07

Homeless adults have high rates of hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) and low levels of HCV knowledge. This study reports results of an interdisciplinary, community-based intervention using stakeholder cooperation, case management, risk factor identification, and modification of dysfunctional psychosocial factors to increase HCV knowledge among homeless adults (N = 747). Data are from a randomized quasi-experimental study, with the major goal of evaluating the effectiveness of a Nurse Case Managed Intervention compared to a Standard Intervention, encouraging completion of a three-series hepatitis A/hepatitis B vaccination program. Increased HCV knowledge was measured with an 18-item questionnaire discerning risk factors for HCV and common misconceptions about individuals with HCV. A significant increase in HCV knowledge resulted regardless of intervention format. Receiving the Nurse Case Managed Intervention predicted greatest gain in HCV knowledge (p < 0.000). Successfully engaging key stakeholders, outreach workers, community organizations, and homeless people themselves proved most efficacious in increasing HCV knowledge.

Journal Name: The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research

Shared risk: who engages in substance use with American homeless youth?

Green, Harold D. Jr. ; Haye, Kayla de la ; Tucker, Joan S. ; Golinelli, Daniela — 2013-05-09T02:30:57

Journal Name: Addiction

Increase in cost of core needs in Edmonton (2010-2013)

Kolkman, John — 2013-05-09T02:14:15

This document provides the most recently available information on changes in costs of essential core items over the past 3 years compared to the overall rate of inflation. Edmonton data is used when available. When data is unavailable for either metro Edmonton or the City of Edmonton, Alberta data is used.

Organization: Edmonton Social Planning Council

Homelessness Recurrence in Georgia: Descriptive Statistics, Risk Factors, and Contextualized Outcome Measurement

Rodriguez, Jason — 2013-05-09T11:41:23

Homelessness recurrence is antithetical to the primary purpose of the homeless service provider system: moving people out of shelters and into stable, permanent housing. Measuring recurrence is thus essential to measuring homelessness policy outcomes, and it can be done in a relatively objective and discreet way using Georgia’s Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). This capability was used to collect data on 9,013 individuals who transitioned out of homelessness between 11/20/2009 and 11/19/2010 in order to investigate risk factors of recurrence. 27% eventually returned to HMIS as homeless, and 21 variables were modeled against the likelihood of this event happening. Of these, it was found that the top risk factors of returning to homelessness were an absence of Rapid Re-Housing enrollment and having a history of homelessness in HMIS. Some findings were different than expected: persons without a teenage male in their household were twice as likely to return, persons with a head of household older than 45 were 1.7 times as likely to return, and persons with an ongoing housing subsidy were not less likely to return. Useful predictive models of recurrence were developed, which can be used to evaluate program outcomes in a way that takes into account the presence of risk factors among the clients the program is serving.

Organization: State Housing Trust Fund for the Homeless Georgia Department of Community Affairs

The State of Homelessness in America 2013

2013-05-09T11:20:41

The State of Homelessness in America 2013 examines trends in homelessness between 2011 and 2012 as well as the economic, housing, and demographic context in which homelessness changes over time. The report shows that, overall, the homeless population decreased by less than 1 percent, but this is not the full story. While the number of people experiencing homelessness as part of a family increased slightly, the number of individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and those identifying as veterans decreased significantly. The mixed findings may be related to policy changes as well as to the economic climate in which these changes are taking place. Increased federal investment in effective solutions, such as permanent supportive housing, has been aimed at veterans and chronically homeless individuals. Also, during this time period, flexible federal resources were available to communities through the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program (HPRP) to help prevent and end homelessness for families and individuals. Despite these resources, increased competition for housing resources and growing housing cost burden combined with increases in the size of the population living in doubled-up situations and poor single-adult-headed families make attaining and maintaining housing more difficult for families and single adults who are not chronically homeless.

Organization: National Alliance to End Homelessness

Prevention and Diversion Toolkit

2013-05-09T11:11:06

Prevention and shelter diversion assistance can help communities reduce the size of their homeless population. Prevention assistance can aid households in preserving their current housing situation; shelter diversion assists households in finding housing outside of shelter while they receive services to stabilize their housing or help them move into permanent housing. Each of these strategies can reduce the number of people entering the homeless assistance system and the demand for shelter and other programmatic housing beds.

Organization: National Alliance to End Homelessness

Coordinated Assessment Toolkit

2013-05-09T11:08:24

Coordinated assessment, also known as coordinated entry or coordinated intake, paves the way for more efficient homeless assistance systems by: - Helping people move through the system faster (by reducing the amount of time people spend moving from program to program before finding the right match); - Reducing new entries into homelessness (by consistently offering prevention and diversion resources upfront, reducing the number of people entering the system unnecessarily); and - Improving data collection and quality and providing accurate information on what kind of assistance consumers need. Coordinated assessment is ideally a system-wide process and can serve any and all populations. Systems may accomplish coordinated assessment through the use of a centralized phone hotline (e.g. a 2-1-1), a single physical point of assessment (through an emergency shelter or a dedicated assessment center, for example) or a decentralized coordinated system (with multiple assessment points all employing the same assessment and referral process).

Organization: National Alliance to End Homelessness

Illicit Drug Use as a Challenge to the Delivery of End-of-Life Care to Homeless Persons: Perceptions of Health and Social Services Professionals - Homeless Hub Research Summary Series

The Homeless Hub — 2013-05-09T10:30:32

Many thousands of Canadians experience homelessness each year. Recent estimates suggest that between 44% and 60% of homeless people have used illicit drugs in their lifetime. Homeless people tend to die younger than the housed population and tend to have complex end-of-life needs. This is partly due to illicit drug use and associated physical health problems. Accessing health care is a difficult task for homeless individuals who use illicit drugs as they are often stigmatized, lack identification, are struggling to manage withdrawal symptoms, and do not feel welcome in healthcare settings.

A ponthienne reading of the regulation of street-involved people in Winnipeg

Bouclin, Suzanne; Pastora Sala, Joëlle — 2013-05-07T04:49:04

In this article, we will rely on the critical analysis of Dianne Pothier regarding discrimination and human dignity in order to establish propositions that we name the “Pothier perspective.” Our aim is to demonstrate the applicability of the Pothier perspective to the issues relating to street-involved people’s dignity. We apply her analysis to a particular context – the implementation and the effects of the Obstructive Solicitation Regulation in Winnipeg. We find that Pothier’s perspective helps us probe the complex ways in which formal decision-making bodies create and reinforce barriers to improving the life conditions of street-involved people. Among other things, the Pothier analysis deepens our understanding of power dynamics and shifting variations within the context of homelessness. However, Pothier also focuses on the manner in which people conceive of creative ways to develop strategies to maintain their dignity despite discriminatory experiences. Her perspective brings a different discussion about the homelessness in Winnipeg, which may facilitate innovative strategies for anti-poverty groups more broadly.

Une analyse de la réglementation des personnes itinérantes selon une perspective pothienne de la discrimination
Dans cet article, nous nous appuierons sur les analyses critiques de Dianne Pothier concernant la discrimination et la dignité humaine pour établir ce que nous nommons la « perspective pothienne ». Notre objectif est de démontrer l’applicabilité de la perspective pothienne aux enjeux relatifs à la dignité des personnes itinérantes. Une analyse pothienne de l’adoption et des effets d’un règlement municipal—le Règlement sur la sollicitation obstructive de Winnipeg—nous permet de sonder la complexité des structures dans lesquelles les instances formelles créent ou renforcent des obstacles à l’épanouissement des personnes itinérantes. Entre autres, l’analyse pothienne complexifie la compréhension des dynamiques et des différentiations marginalisant les personnes itinérantes. Néanmoins, Pothier mise aussi sur la manière dont les personnes conçoivent divers moyens créatifs de composer avec leur réalité quotidienne en développant des tactiques pour maintenir leur dignité humaine malgré des expériences de discrimination. Son analyse apporte aux discussions sur le phénomène de l’itinérance à Winnipeg un éclairage original qui peut favoriser l’émergence de stratégies novatrices pour les groupes qui luttent contre la pauvreté.

Journal Name: Canadian journal of women and the law

Increasing Access--A Qualitative Study of Homelessness and Palliative Care in a Major Urban Center

Krakowsky, Yonah; Gofine, Miriam; Brown, Pnina; Danziger, Jana ; Knowles, Holly — 2013-05-07T03:38:43

This qualitative study examines how a major urban city's palliative care resources can be improved to increase access and better serve the homeless (Authors).

Journal Name: American Journal of Hospice Palliative Care

Tags: access; qualitative data; palliative care

Aversion to Injection Limits Acceptability of Extended-Release Naltrexone Among Homeless, Alcohol-Dependent Patients

2013-05-07T03:20:52

Clinical trials suggest that depot extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX) is efficacious in reducing alcohol consumption among alcohol-dependent subjects (Authors).

Journal Name: Substance Abuse

Tags: Alcohol dependence; substance abuse; Naltrexone; veterans

Joshua Tree Shelter's art exhibit changes perspective

Rasche, John — 2013-05-07T11:28:21

How do you perceive the world when you’re homeless? How does the world perceive you? During the month of May, a new art exhibit encourages you to look through the perspective of the homeless. “The Power of Homelessness: How it Touches Us All,” documents the lives of some of Elko’s homeless through photographs and written stories. The exhibit is hosted by the Joshua Tree Shelter, a nonprofit organization that has been seeking to house the area’s homeless. “I think the homeless are the most under-served (people) in the community,” Joshua Tree Founder Jennifer Kidwell said at the exhibit’s opening night Wednesday. “As you can see (in the exhibit), they’re people too. Their experiences, their journeys are not too far from our own.”

Journal Name: Elko Daily Free Press

PHOTOS: Youth on Fire creates second art installation in Cambridge

2013-05-07T11:22:54

This past Saturday, May 4, young adults from Youth on Fire joined supporters to install 60 3-by-4.5 foot photographs and one 15-by-17 foot photograph that cover the entire Palmer Street building in Harvard Square. The installation, called "I am.... More Than Just Homeless,” is a dramatic testament to the strength, resilience, and survival skills of these vulnerable youth. Anthony Pira partnered with Youth On Fire, a drop-in center for homeless youth ages 17-24 in Harvard Square, to present the images in this second public art installation in collaboration with the Outside In Project national campaign “Creating Art to End Homelessness.”

Journal Name: Cambridge Chronicle & Tab

Governing the Streets: The Legal, Social and Moral Regulation of Homeless Youth - Homeless Hub Research Summary Series

The Homeless Hub — 2013-05-02T12:34:52

Changes in political, social, and economic practices over the past few decades (referred to in this chapter as neoliberalism) have shaped the way government and society at large view and address youth homelessness. These practices include reduced social support, increased individual accountability, particularly in regards to maintaining employment and managing personal finances, and greater reliance on the private sector to provide shelter, food and health services to the homeless population. An overall increase in intolerance for crime and disorder has also resulted, leading to a legal response to urban homelessness sometimes referred to as the “criminalization of homelessness”.

Why Street Youth Become Involved in Crime - Homeless Hub Research Summary Series

The Homeless Hub — 2013-05-02T12:33:36

Research on street youth in Canada suggests these young people are heavily ‘at-risk’ of becoming involved in criminal activities. Street youth, however, become involved in criminal activities to different degrees, ranging from not at all to high rates of participation. The types of offenses they engage in also vary, and can include property crimes, distribution of drugs, and violent crimes such as robbery and physical altercations. Research has demonstrated that the road to the street often begins with adversity in the home including abuse, neglect, food insecurity, and parental substance use, which leaves one at greater risk for criminal behaviour. This may be the result of weakened emotional attachments to guardians or from viewing the world as a coercive, hostile environment. There is a strong link between some types of abuse and crime, such as physical abuse and violent offending. Those who experience particularly hostile abuse often see aggression as the way to solve problems and adopt values and attitudes that support the use of violence. Once leaving home many youth must also resort to crime as a means of survival, or to help cope with life on the streets.

The Agenda with Steve Paikin: Helping Hidden Lives

2013-05-01T11:43:13

We rarely talk about them, but we all know who they are. They cycle through the system, from police to mental health services to the street and back again. None of us would trade places with them, but new approaches are trying to bring them closer to a decent quality of life. The Agenda sits down with frontline experts to talk about the challenges faced by this population, options for addressing the problem and what we owe these marginalized people.

Organization: TVO - The Agenda

Best Practices, Best Outcomes

Prioleau, Brian — 2013-04-30T04:00:32

SAMHSA recently released TIP 55: Behavioral Health Services for People Who Are Homeless. It is intended as a comprehensive protocol for behavioral health professionals who want to effectively treat clients who experience homelessness. Dr. Hunter McQuistion, who led the team that developed the protocol, shares TIP 55’s intent and goals.

Organization: SAMHSA

Tags: behavioral health care; best practices; service providers; program administration

SAMHSA Grantee Spotlight: Palladia, Inc.—Steps to Safety Program

Campos, Connie — 2013-04-30T12:13:37

Palladia, Inc.’s Steps to Safety program has been selected for a SAMHSA Grantee Spotlight for May 2013. The program’s focus on reducing trauma symptoms and assisting in recovery from substance use disorders, while addressing issues of homelessness and housing stability, has led to an increased sense of self-efficacy among their clients.

Organization: SAMHSA

Tags: feature; grantee spotlight; substance use treatment; trauma

South Boston Grows

Thom, Katherine — 2013-04-30T12:01:19

South Boston Grows is an educational community garden catering to youth living in Boston, Massachusetts. The founder, Phoebe Fleming, relishes every opportunity to share her love of the outdoors and the importance of good nutrition with the youth in her urban neighborhood.

Organization: SAMHSA

Tags: feature; youth; urban garden; nutrition

Transition in Place Program: Helping Families Find a Place to Call Home

Batuner, David — 2013-04-29T11:58:19

New Haven Home Recovery’s Transition in Place Program is designed to help single mothers and their children who are experiencing homelessness. Jocelyn Antunes, Supportive Housing Program Coordinator, shares some the biggest challenges she has encountered, as well as the successes she is most proud of.

Organization: SAMHSA

Tags: feature; supportive housing; family support services; Community Networks

Putting Policy into Perspective: A Service Provider’s Guide to Understanding Sequestration

Cogswell, Melissa — 2013-04-29T11:54:23

Budgets cuts, fiscal cliffs, sequestration, downsizing. These words have become a common refrain, but what exactly do they mean? Mark Allison, Chairman of the Board of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, explains what sequestration really means, and how it has and will continue to impact homeless service and housing providers.

Organization: SAMHSA

Tags: feature; current affairs; low-income housing; renter households

Where Do We Go from Here? Youth Aging out of Care: Special Report

2013-04-29T02:57:29

This report focuses on the issue of young people transitioning out of care into adulthood. This is not new territory for the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate (OCYA ). As far back as 1997, concerns about young people leaving care and transitioning to adulthood have been raised. Since then, the OCYA has identified this issue in eight of its annual reports. To date, neither the repeated efforts of the OCYA to elevate the issue, nor the responses from Government to address the issues surrounding young people leaving care have been effective. In 2011-12, regional workshops for professionals called “Advocacy 101: The Basics and Beyond” were hosted by the OCYA. Each workshop concluded with a youth panel. These young people were invited to speak because they had an advocate in their lives and were willing to speak about their experiences with advocacy. Throughout their stories a common theme emerged; youth transitioning out of care are still facing significant challenges. This, along with a number of discussions with OCYA staff, young people and other stakeholders led to the formation of this report. Contained in this report are some difficult issues that young people raised with us that they want to have addressed. Also in this report, young people described examples of what they viewed as effective and promising practice. Although not exhaustive, we do believe the information provided by those who spoke with us, the research that we reviewed, and the recommendations within this report provide a more solid foundation for young people to effectively transition from being in Government care to being independent young adults in our Province. When the Ministry of Human Services was formed, there were many who said a broadly based human service Ministry could provide a more comprehensive approach to the people it serves. This report provides opportunities to do just that – create and support a comprehensive program to help these vulnerable young people succeed. The challenge is to develop and sustain the will to take the action needed to produce effective results for young people leaving Government care. While these young people may have connections to families and communities, they are after all, Alberta’s children. They ought to be able to expect our very best effort to help them succeed. The challenge is whether or not we in Alberta have the will to do all we can to ensure these vulnerable young people become independent, successful adults.

Organization: Office of the Child and Youth Advocate (Alberta)

Poverty Trends Scorecard Fact Sheet Series : Income, Wealth, and Inequality

2013-04-29T02:48:53

Canadian families on average enjoy a higher standard of living today than they did thirty years ago. Senior families, in particular, have made important gains in their after-tax incomes, even as the number of seniors has grown. The progress among working-age families, however, has been uneven. It took 10 years for families to recoup their income losses experienced during the recession of the early 1990s. Between 1993 and 2008, a strong labour market helped to lift the incomes and economic fortunes of all Canadians. But, the gains were not shared equally. Families at the top of the income ladder experienced much larger income gains compared to modest and middle-income families. As a result, the gap in income – and wealth – has grown considerably.

Organization: Citizens for Public Justice

Low-income Workers in Calgary: CPRI Research Brief #2

2013-04-29T02:43:24

This research brief provides a profile of low-income and low-wage workers in Calgary and Alberta based on data from Statistics Canada Census 2006 and the 2010 Labour Force Survey. “Low-income workers” are those who worked and lived in low-income households. “Low-wage workers” are those that worked for wages below $14.00, whether they lived in a low-income household or not.

Organization: Calgary Poverty Reduction Initiative

Food Dignity Constellation: Final Report March 2013

2013-04-29T02:24:41

A desired outcome for Calgary is within reach, where food dignity and sustainable food systems are actualized. Calgary, in 2013, could be daring and forward-looking, ready to face any challenge and be a city where there is “enough for all”. The Food Dignity Constellation believes that this is the time to challenge existing assumptions and find common ground to benefit all Calgarians. This final report of the Food Dignity Constellation of the CPRI looks at access, as a means to this end. In the writing of it, we aim to ensure that this important thread of the conversation remains an integral piece of a Poverty Reduction Strategy —the piece that levels the playing field for all Calgarians and reminds us that the root of any solution pertaining to food dignity lies in its ability to be accessed by all. This report is structured around monthly discussions over a six-month period, with a roundtable of participants from municipal government, Alberta Health Services, non-profit agencies, community-builders and anti-poverty advocates and activists. The group looked at Issues, Goals and Solutions, in that order. Terms of reference included a deliberate avoidance of food-programming as an end solution, collaboration versus advocacy and ensuring that the voice of vulnerable populations that have experienced trauma because of food insecurity was never lost in the discussions.

Organization: Calgary Poverty Reduction Initiative

Preventing Cancer: A Community-Based Program for Youths in Public Housing

2013-04-29T02:17:13

This article describes a feasibility study of a program that mentors boys aged 14–18 living in inner city public housing, engages them in a basketball league, and provides educational sessions on life skills and ways to resolve conflicts without violence. Such programs have the potential to engage adolescent males living in public housing in activities that reduce cancer-related behaviors and increase protective behaviors. Methods We conducted a feasibility evaluation of the program, which included a survey of participants, interviews with coaches, and observations of games and practices. Results Lifetime and previous-30-day substance use was common among participants, and many were exposed to and had experienced various forms of violence. Keeping youths active helps prevent their joining gangs and using drugs. Conclusions Youths from disadvantaged backgrounds are at a high risk for cancer because they are at greater risk for obesity and other adverse health-related conditions than are more affluent youths. Implementing and sustaining community programs for youths in public housing can reduce the effects of exposure to factors that put them at risk for cancer during adulthood: chronic poverty, lack of safe areas for recreation, easy access to alcohol and drugs, and exposure to violence. In addition, workshops to prevent substance use and violence and to teach leadership, sportsmanship, conflict resolution, and healthy youth development are needed for youths, coaches, and parents or guardians.

Journal Name: Journal of Adolescent Health

Psychopathology in Young People Experiencing Homelessness: A Systematic Review

Hodgson, Kate J. ; Shelton, Katherine H. — 2013-04-29T02:08:14

Understanding mental health issues faced by young homeless persons is instrumental to the development of successful targeted interventions. No systematic review of recent published literature on psychopathology in this group has been completed. We conducted a systematic review of published research examining the prevalence of psychiatric problems among young homeless people. We examined the temporal relationship between homelessness and psychopathology. We collated 46 articles according to the PRISMA Statement. All studies that used a full psychiatric assessment consistently reported a prevalence of any psychiatric disorder from 48% to 98%. Although there was a lack of longitudinal studies of the temporal relationship between psychiatric disorders and homelessness, findings suggested a reciprocal link. Supporting young people at risk for homelessness could reduce homelessness incidence and improve mental health.

Journal Name: American Journal of Public Health

Creating Safe and Supportive Learning Environments A Guide for Working with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Youth and Families

2013-04-29T02:05:00

The importance of creating safe spaces for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) students in the school environment cannot be overstated. It is one of the most prominent issues facing school professionals today, and its success has lasting, positive effects on the entire student body. Drawing on the expertise of researchers and practitioners, Creating Safe and Supportive Learning Environments provides a comprehensive examination of the topics most relevant for school professionals. The first section lays out the theoretical foundation and background school professionals need to understand the social and political trends that impact LGBTQ individuals, the development of sexual orientation and gender identity, risk and resilience factors, and the intersection of LGBTQ identity with other aspects of diversity. The second section explores topics critical for the development of safe, supportive school environments, including understanding legal and ethical mandates, training school personnel, addressing bullying and harassment, and developing inclusive classrooms. Special topics related to counseling LGBTQ students, supporting families of LGBTQ students, becoming an ally and advocate in the schools, and connecting with community resources are also covered.

An Innovative Medical and Dental Hygiene Clinic for Street Youth: Results of a Process Evaluation

2013-04-29T02:00:48

Canada has a noteworthy reputation for high quality health care. Nonetheless, street youth are one of our most vulnerable yet underserved populations. Consequently, a medical and dental clinic was created in downtown Ottawa, Ontario to respond to their needs. The purpose of this study is to describe a process evaluation of the clinic during its first year of operation with a focus on program fidelity, dose, reach, and satisfaction. A mixed methods approach was used involving interviews with providers, focus groups with street youth, analysis of Electronic Medical Record (EMR) data, and supplemental information such as document reviews. The evaluation identified areas that were working well along with challenges to program implementation. Areas of concerns and possible solutions were presented to the management team that then helped to plan and make improvements to the clinic. Our evaluation design and working relationship with clinic management promoted the integration of real-time evidence into program improvements.

Journal Name: Evaluation and Program Planning

Characteristics of Emergency Department Visits by Older Versus Younger Homeless Adults in the United States

Brown, Rebecca T. ; Steinman, Michael A. — 2013-04-29T01:52:45

We compared the characteristics of emergency department (ED) visits of older versus younger homeless adults. Methods. We analyzed 2005–2009 data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, a nationally representative survey of visits to hospitals and EDs, and used sampling weights, strata, and clustering variables to obtain nationally representative estimates. Results. The ED visits of homeless adults aged 50 years and older accounted for 36% of annual visits by homeless patients. Although demographic characteristics of ED visits were similar in older and younger homeless adults, clinical and health services characteristics differed. Older homeless adults had fewer discharge diagnoses related to psychiatric conditions (10% vs 20%; P = .002) and drug abuse (7% vs 15%; P = .003) but more diagnoses related to alcohol abuse (31% vs 23%; P = .03) and were more likely to arrive by ambulance (48% vs 36%; P = .02) and to be admitted to the hospital (20% vs 11%; P = .003). Conclusions. Older homeless adults’ patterns of ED care differ from those of younger homeless adults. Health care systems need to account for these differences to meet the needs of the aging homeless population.

Journal Name: American Journal of Public Health

A strengths based method for homeless youth: Effectiveness and fidelity of Houvast

Krabbenborg, Manon AM; Boersma, Sandra N ; Wolf, Judith RLM — 2013-04-29T01:44:03

While homelessness among youth is a serious problem, there is little information about evidence-based interventions for homeless youth. In cooperation with professionals and youths, Wolf (2012) developed Houvast (Dutch for ‘grip’): a strengths based method grounded in scientific and practice evidence. The main aim of Houvast is to improve the quality of life of homeless youths by focusing on their strengths, thus stimulating their capacity for autonomy and self-reliance. Method/Design The effectiveness and fidelity of Houvast will be tested in ten Dutch services for homeless youth which are randomly allocated to an intervention group (n = 5), or a control group which provides care as usual (n = 5). Measurements of both objective and subjective quality of life and secondary outcomes (mental and physical health, substance use, coping, resilience, psychological needs, care needs, working relationship with the professional and attainment of personal goals) will be conducted among homeless youths (n = 251). Youths in both groups will be interviewed by means of a structured interview at baseline, at time of ending care or after having received care for six months (T1) and at nine months after baseline (T2). Model fidelity will be tested around T1. Discussion This study is unique as it includes a large number of homeless youths who are followed for a period of nine months, and because it focuses on a strengths based approach. If the Houvast method proves to be effective in improving quality of life it will be the first evidence-based intervention for homeless youth.

Journal Name: BMC Public Health

Prevalence of Homeless Older Adults and Factors Causing Their Homelessness: A Review

Ng, Stephanie; Rizvi, Shafqat ; Kunik, Mark E. — 2013-04-29T12:37:14

Objectives: To examine the prevalence of homeless older adults and causes of homelessness among the elderly. Methods: Systematic review involving search of Medline, Cochrane Review and GoogleScholar, including homeless, homelessness, elder, elderly, aged and in old age. For prevalence, articles before 2000 were excluded, and samples had to be at least 50 ±5 years of age. Results: Medline search resulted in 511 articles. Studies outside the United States, focusing on disease- or site-specific populations and/or not specifying subjects by age were excluded, leaving four studies (prevalence) and two (causes). Two additional articles on prevalence were identified through GoogleScholar, and three others (two about prevalence; one about causes) were identified from manually searching bibliographies of identified articles. Discussion: The prevalence of elderly homeless ranges from 8% to 55% (mean, 27%; median, 24%). Most-often cited reasons leading to homelessness were financial/employment problems, lack of social support, and mental health problems.

Journal Name: The Internet Journal of Geriatrics and Gerontology

The Illusions and Juxtapositions of Commercial Sexual Exploitation among Youth: Identifying Effective Street-Outreach Strategies

2013-04-29T12:20:12

To explore sexually exploited youths' perspectives of how street outreach workers can effectively provide outreach and connections to services, we conducted qualitative interviews with 13 female participants, ages 14 to 22, in a Midwest U.S. city. Participants reported multiple types of exploitation, most first exploited by age 13, plus substance use and recurrent homelessness. Nearly all had a pimp, and all used the internet as a venue for sexual exploitation. Participants wanted outreach workers to use “soft words” to refer to exploitation. They expressed contradictory images of their “boyfriend” pimps and their exploitation. They wanted outreach workers to “provide resources,” “be nonjudgmental,” “listen,” and “care.” Street outreach can be one way to support sexually exploited youth but should occur in multiple settings.

Journal Name: Journal of Child Sexual Abuse

Reducing the cost of poverty in Medicine Hat: moving from charity to investment

Lee, Celia R.; Briggs, Alexa — 2013-04-29T11:33:53

As of 2010, 7,360 people in the greater Medicine Hat area were living in poverty, 2,590 of whom were children – representing a 10% poverty rate, and a 16% child poverty rate. This report provides information on poverty and social indicators in Medicine Hat; on the definition, causes, effects and indicators of poverty; and on the current state of the six priority areas. It is a starting point from which to develop a common understanding of poverty in the community, and from which to track progress in the future. This report accesses statistical data, current research, and qualitative data from key interviews with Medicine Hat residents to develop as representative a picture as possible.

Organization: Vibrant Communities Calgary

More House Than They Could Afford: The Cumulative Civic Implications of Housing Markets and Policies

2013-04-29T11:27:38

Cold hard facts, statistics and data are woven with personal narratives from public housing tenants and former homeowners. Both the author and her research subjects present a historical and personally intimate framework (both national and regional) for understanding how housing impacts one's civic standing. Why are public housing tenants often denied their second amendment right to bear arms, even though they go through rigorous background checks that homeowners do not? Why do public housing tenants have less legal recourse to challenge poor conditions compared to renters in the private market? Why were homeowners of color funneled into sub-prime loans even when they qualified for prime ones? This thesis looks at correlations and divergences between the foreclosure crisis, the demolition of public housing and the reduction of shelter benefits for homeless families, continuously begging the question -how does your housing narrative impact the substance of your citizenship.

Childhood Stress and Mobility Among Rural Homeless Youth - Homeless Hub Research Summary Series

The Homeless Hub — 2013-04-25T10:04:24

Homeless youth in rural settings face unique circumstances including fewer housing options and services to meet their needs. They are frequently forced to leave their communities and social networks in order to receive services or find shelter. Moreover, research suggests that homelessness is often one of several traumatic experiences these young people will face in their lives. While understanding the causes of youth homelessness (such as trauma) is important, to date this increased awareness has not lead to a shift in service provision, away from emergency services alone to providing the long-term support necessary to heal from the impact of childhood trauma.

Mental Health and Youth Homelessness: A Critical Review - Homeless Hub Research Summary Series

The Homeless Hub — 2013-04-25T10:03:52

Canadian literature has not fully uncovered the relationship between youth homelessness and mental health, and how they are related to both risks and resources present in pre-street and homeless circumstances. It is clear that homeless youth experience high rates of poor mental health, and that many youth are immersed in an environment characterized by substantial risk. Evidence suggests that many youth are subjected to tremendous adversity, including family conflict and various types of abuse and victimization well before they experience homelessness. These occurrences can have a substantial impact on the mental health of youth, which often worsens with the experience of homelessness. Despite the frequent mental health challenges of homeless youth, the majority are not receiving any form of treatment.

Nobody “Signs Out of Care.” Exploring Institutional Links Between Child Protection Services & Homelessness - Homeless Hub Research Summary Series

The Homeless Hub — 2013-04-25T10:03:22

In Ontario, youth between the ages of 16-18 can apply to the Courts to terminate a Society or Crown wardship order. Young people involved with the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) in Ontario commonly talk about “signing out of care” when they turn 16. This expression makes it hard to see the complicated institutional work that is involved in ending a wardship order with child protection services, not to mention the challenges youth face after leaving care. Currently in Ontario there is little coordination between the institutions that youth leaving care must interact with, often having negative consequences for youth, including homelessness.

Reconnecting with Family and Community: Pathways Out of Youth Homelessness - Homeless Hub Research Summary Series

The Homeless Hub — 2013-04-25T10:02:57

Adolescent development is generally viewed as a gradual process that is guided by supportive adults, particularly family members. This focus shifts however, when we think about homeless youth and family becomes viewed as the ‘problem’, and youth are pushed to become ‘self-sufficient’. However, this oversimplifies the nature and composition of families and relationships. More importantly, it overlooks families as potential partners in working towards solutions to youth homelessness. Although approximately 2/3 of youth leave home due to family conflict and abuse, it cannot be assumed that all family members contribute to this dynamic, or that all relationships are irreconcilable. While it is not always possible or desirable to reunite some of the youth with their families, it is important to develop programs that aim to deal with and/or resolve conflicts with family when possible. Previous research suggests that youth who reunite with their families have more positive outcomes that those who do not, including in school, employment, self-esteem, criminal behaviour and family relationships. Developing programs for family reconnection should therefore be a central component of a systems-based, preventative approach to youth homelessness, where programs, services and service delivery systems are organized at every level.

Service Preferences of Homeless Youth with Mental Illness: Housing First, Treatment First, or Both Together - Homeless Hub Research Summary Series

The Homeless Hub — 2013-04-25T10:02:29

Housing First is a treatment, service and social policy approach based on the idea that a homeless individual’s primary need is to attain secure and stable housing before other issues in the individual’s life can be dealt with. Its fundamental principle is that housing is a basic right, and should be made available regardless of whether individuals, particularly those with mental health concerns and/or addictions, desire treatment. Despite the fact that youth experiencing homelessness have unique needs, few Canadian studies have investigated the Housing First approach with youth, leaving policy and decision makers without much information on promising solutions to homelessness for this population.

Substance Use and Mental Health Problems among Street-involved Youth: The Need for a Harm Reduction Approach - Homeless Hub Research Summary Series

The Homeless Hub — 2013-04-25T09:58:22

Street-involved and homeless youth experience more health problems than non-homeless youth, and particularly high rates of addiction and mental health problems. Despite this, use of available substance use and mental health services tends to be low among street-involved youth. This lack of service access may worsen already poor health and contribute to chronic homelessness. There is currently little understanding on the implications of co-occurring mental health and substance use issues for the service needs of homeless youth, as well as how this may vary by gender.

Promoting Health for Homeless and Street-involved Youth: Use and Views of Services of Street-involved Youth in Calgary - Homeless Hub Research Summary Series

The Homeless Hub — 2013-04-25T09:57:59

The economic boom that occurred in Alberta in the mid-2000s drew people to the city of Calgary, putting greater pressure on affordable housing and social services, and increased the number of youth on the streets. The number of homeless people in Calgary went up 32% between 2004 and 2006, and the youth homeless population grew at an even faster rate than the adult homeless population. For youth and health service providers in Calgary, the issues faced by street-involved youth were thus of growing concern.

The Need for Early Mental Health Intervention to Strengthen Resilience in Street-involved Youth - Homeless Hub Research Summary Series

The Homeless Hub — 2013-04-25T09:57:17

It is widely known that mental health challenges are common in youth who are street-involved, and include depression, hopelessness, self-harm, as well as issues with substance use. There is also a clear relationship between the stress of homelessness and emotional distress, such as depression and suicide. Futhermore, the mental health challenges of street-involved youth may interfere with their ability to access services to improve their overall circumstances. This indicates a need for evidence-based approaches to address the severe and complex mental health problems of homeless youth. Improving their mental health is a critical factor in enabling them to participate in services. Effective approaches such as those that focus on developing skills to build relationships, manage distress and strengthen motivation can disrupt a negative spiral while, at the same time, validating and providing skills to support positive choices and behaviours. Despite the harsh circumstances homeless youth experience, many still hope for a better future, and demonstrate remarkable resilience, or ability to cope with adversity. Programs and services should focus on the strengths and resilience of homeless youth.

Policing Street Youth in Toronto - Homeless Hub Research Summary Series

The Homeless Hub — 2013-04-25T09:56:38

Many jurisdictions in Canada and the United States have responded to the growing visibility of homelessness with measures that have sought to restrict the rights of homeless people to occupy and inhabit public spaces such as street corners and parks, and prohibit behaviours such as sleeping in public or earning money through begging or squeegee cleaning. This serves as the basis for what has come to be known as the criminalization of homelessness, or the creation of laws and statutes that target people who are homeless such as the Ontario Safe Streets Act. One of the most controversial aspects of these laws is the authority it gives to police to issue tickets for behaviours mostly specific to homeless individuals, which can lead to long-term consequences such as mounting debt that youth cannot afford to pay, and criminal records, which pose barriers to moving off the streets. These kinds of practices must be understood in the context of broader, often political, social justice issues, such as a lack of preventative and transitional supports for youth experiencing homelessness.

Back to the Future for Canada’s National Anti-Drug Strategy: Homeless Youth and the Need for Harm Reduction - Homeless Hub Research Summary Series

The Homeless Hub — 2013-04-25T09:56:15

The primary goal of most harm-reduction approaches is to meet individuals where they are at and not ignore or condemn the harmful behaviours, but rather to work with the individual or community to minimize the harmful effects of a given behaviour. Canadian policy on substance use has been moving in the wrong direction since its 2007 National Anti-Drug strategy, which excluded harm reduction. Harm reduction is an important public health initiative needed to promote the health and well-being of marginalized substance users, such as youth experiencing homelessness.

Policy Challenges to Homelessness Among Caribbean Youth in Toronto - Homeless Hub Research Summary Series

The Homeless Hub — 2013-04-25T09:55:48

Immigrants have become a major presence in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), with some estimates suggesting approximately 50% of Toronto residents are now foreign born. It is important to understand their needs, particularly as immigrants are more likely to be vulnerable to housing insecurity and homelessness compared to those born in Canada. In addition, some research has shown that homeless youth from minority groups may be more reluctant than white homeless youth to access community or government resources for assistance as they prefer to utilize informal social networks. Those who lack such networks might be at increased risk of homelessness. The experience of homelessness may differ for young immigrants, particularly those of colour, who often encounter discriminatory treatment based on race, and are subject to racist policies and procedures within the public school system and other institutions, such as police services.

Waldo 101: Mapping the Intersections of Space, Place, and Gender in the Lives of Ten Homeless Youth - Homeless Hub Research Summary Series

The Homeless Hub — 2013-04-25T09:55:30

The childhood favourite “Where’s Waldo?” can teach us three lessons. The first is that in public spaces we are nearly always seen, even when we do not want to be – homeless youth understand this, trying to blend into the background at certain times, while drawing attention to themselves at others. Second, where one stands largely determines whether one will be seen – in some places and spaces favoured by homeless youth, like parks, social service agencies, and street corners, it is nearly impossible to be hidden. Third, Waldo’s unmatched access to hiding spaces is largely the result of his being male. On the street, homeless men have considerably more freedom of movement than their female peers. Based on research with homeless youth and considering these combined lessons there is a need for services that are spread throughout the city, initiatives that reduce stigma, improved police engagement, and additional supports for women and the dogs that frequently travel with them.

Shaking Off the Colonial Inheritance: Homeless Indigenous Youth Resist, Reclaim and Reconnect - Homeless Hub Research Summary Series

The Homeless Hub — 2013-04-25T09:55:10

The role of colonization continues to negatively impact Indigenous Peoples today. Legislation and policies such as the Indian Act, residential schooling, harmful child welfare practices, and the ongoing marginalization of Indigenous Peoples has left a lasting legacy and resulted in historical trauma. Today there are three times as many Indigenous children in the child welfare system than there were in residential schools at their peak in the 1940s. The child welfare system has been criticized for placing more emphasis on the removal of Indigenous children from their families than on addressing the root causes that impact Indigenous Peoples’ challenges in parenting, such as poverty.

No Fixed Address: Young, Queer, and Restless - Homeless Hub Research Summary Series

The Homeless Hub — 2013-04-25T09:54:50

LGBTQ youth disproportionately experience homelessness in Canada. Living with an unsupportive family can directly lead to homelessness, and without many services or any shelters specifically equipped to meet the needs of LGBTQ youth, many turn to the streets due to fear of homophobic or transphobic violence. There is a need for more research to document the complexities of coming out, forming one’s sexual and gender identities, as well as the additional stigma, discrimination and burdens LGBTQ youth face while on the street.

It’s Everybody’s Business: Raising the Roof ’s Private Sector Engagement Project - Homeless Hub Research Summary Series

The Homeless Hub — 2013-04-25T09:54:32

Solutions to homelessness are often considered to be the responsibility of NGOs, government, and the individuals experiencing homelessness. Yet as homelessness affects everyone in society, it can be argued that solutions require action across all sectors. In short, homelessness is everybody’s business. Raising the Roof, a national Canadian charity, has embarked on a multi-year Private Sector Project, aimed at engaging a sector that has traditionally been left out of discussions of solutions to homelessness: the private sector.

Resilient Outcome: Academic Engagement by Youth with Histories of Homelessness - Homeless Hub Research Summary Series

The Homeless Hub — 2013-04-25T09:54:11

Many homeless youth do not have a high school diploma for a variety of reasons, such as frequent moves between home and school, significant life stress, and a lack of family support. Without a basic education, homeless youth are at risk of limited employment opportunities and poverty during their adult lives. Yet despite experiencing homelessness, some youth are able to continue participating in school, demonstrating resilience. Educational resilience refers to continuing education despite adverse circumstances, such as homelessness.

Why Don’t You Just Get a Job? Homeless Youth, Social Exclusion and Employment Training - Homeless Hub Research Summary Series

The Homeless Hub — 2013-04-25T09:53:48

Young people who are homeless face considerable barriers to obtaining and maintaining employment. These barriers are best understood through the concept of social exclusion, or the degree to which individual experiences and histories overlap with certain social, political and economic conditions such as poverty, unemployment, inadequate housing, sexism, racism and homophobia. These factors can restrict young people’s access to spaces, institutions, and practices that increase opportunities and reduce risk. People who are stably housed experience distinct and significant advantages when moving into the labour force, advantages that many of us take for granted, such as having a home address, adult support to transition into adulthood, and access to food, recreation and transportation.

Which Comes First: Sexual Exploitation or Other Risk Exposures Among Street-involved Youth? - Homeless Hub Research Summary Series

The Homeless Hub — 2013-04-25T09:53:18

Canadian law and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child define sexual exploitation as the exchange of any sexual activities by someone 18 years of age or younger for money, drugs, food, shelter or other goods and services. Giving a young person money or other things in exchange for sex is a form of sexual abuse and a violation of their right to freedom from sexual coersion. Homeless youth are at serious risk of sexual exploitation. Approximately 1 in 3 homeless youth report being exploited, and Indigenous, refugee and immigrant, and LGBTQ youth are at an even greater risk. Despite these risks, there is little research that has looked at those under the age of 19, even though many homeless youth are subjected to multiple risks in adolescence or earlier.

Homeless Youth, Nutritional Vulnerability, and Community Food Assistance Programs - Homeless Hub Research Summary Series

The Homeless Hub — 2013-04-25T09:52:57

Adolescence is an important developmental period associated with a need for increased nutritional requirements to foster growth and development. Chronically poor nutrition during adolescence can have negative health impacts over the lifespan and is associated with an increased risk of infections. Poor nutrition can also worsen conditions such as depression, substance abuse and sexually transmitted diseases. Homeless youth face extreme nutritional vulnerability due to chronic food deprivation and poor nutritional quality of food. Failure to facilitate more adequate food access for youth experiencing homelessness can not only impact their nutritional health, but also their social, psychological, and emotional well-being.

Building Community: Supportive Housing for Young Mothers - Homeless Hub Research Summary Series

The Homeless Hub — 2013-04-25T09:52:30

Motherhood during adolescence carries its own set of challenges for those who are homeless including physical and mental health problems, risk of abuse, and suicidal behaviour. Teen pregnancy also carries higher risks for the newborns such as birth complications, and physical, neurological, and nutritional problems. Very little attention has been directed toward understanding the particular needs of homeless mothers. They are marginalized by society, not well supported by the service sector and are generally left to fend for themselves. Teen motherhood is generally portrayed negatively, as a ‘problem’ that must be ‘dealt with’. Some researchers, however, have reframed the issue to address the populations’ strengths, struggles and challenges. Some findings suggest that early motherhood may not be directly responsible for negative outcomes such as poverty or low educational attainment. Instead, poor outcomes could result from a lack of resources and supports available to young mothers. One useful resource is supportive housing, which has been defined as a midpoint between institutional and independent living. Residents are offered long-term housing while being provided with the necessary services and supports.

Pathways Towards Stability: Young People’s Transitions Off of the Streets - Homeless Hub Research Summary Series

The Homeless Hub — 2013-04-25T09:52:10

There is an abundance of research on homeless youth that looks at the causes and consequences of homelessness. Findings have been quite consistent in revealing that youth become homeless as a result of familial conflict, abuse and trauma, poverty, addictions and mental health concerns, and involvement in the child welfare system. Less is known about how youth are able to exit street life, leaving the picture incomplete. It is equally important to understand the ways that youth get off the street and re-enter what can be called ‘mainstream society’.

"The Infinity Project" - an innovative Housing First program for homeless youth

Davies, Katie — 2013-04-25T09:27:40

Responding to Youth Homelessness: A Systems Approach Learning Series - Session #3 Keynote: Katies Davies, Boys and Girls Club, Calgary In the fourth session of this Learning Series, Katie Davies shares "The Infinity Project" - an innovative Housing First program for homeless youth.

Saskatchewan Advocate for Children and Youth 2012 Annual Report

2013-04-23T09:43:30

Immediately following the release of the independent Child Welfare Review Panel’s report in December 2010, the Government of Saskatchewan established a Cabinet Committee for Children and Youth and announced the creation of the Saskatchewan Children and Youth Agenda. These developments appeared to signal the intention of the provincial government to create a new focus on young people with coordinated direction at the highest level, and were greeted with much enthusiasm and support by child- serving professionals and the public.

Organization: Advocate for Children and Youth

Framework to End Youth Homelessness: A Resource Text for Dialogue and Action

2013-04-19T03:22:00

The USICH Framework to End Youth Homelessness (youth framework) expands on the Amendment to Opening Doors by providing clarity on what needs to be done specifically to address youth homelessness to help reach the goal of ending homelessness among children and youth by 2020. This document is a product of over a year of effort by a Federal interagency youth homelessness workgroup, which has been co-led by the Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) at the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and USICH.

Organization: United States Interagency Council on Homelessness

Proposed Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Fact Sheet: Targeted Homelessness Assistance

2013-04-18T02:27:30

Building on the progress of Opening Doors, President Obama’s Fiscal Year 2014 (FY 2014) Budget Proposal includes a significant funding commitment to implement Opening Doors. This year’s Budget Proposal includes more than $5.3 billion for targeted homeless assistance funding, a 21.1 percent increase over the previously enacted Fiscal Year 2012 Budget.

Organization: U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness

Ethical Vaccine Distribution Planning for Pandemic Influenza: Prioritizing Homeless and Hard-to-Reach Populations

Buccieri, Kristy; Gaetz, Stephen — 2013-04-18T11:11:40

The manner in which limited vaccines are distributed during a pandemic is an ethical issue. The utility principle has been used to argue priority be given to certain individuals based on factors such as the epidemiology of the spread of disease and maintaining the functioning of society. The equity principle has been used to encourage fair practices that account for the economic and social costs of all decisions made. We argue that both principles are met through priority vaccination of homeless individuals, as this strategy protects a medically vulnerable population while reducing the chances of transmission to others as they move through populated urban spaces. We begin by reviewing debates around ethical vaccine distribution. We then argue the homeless are a medically high-risk population who may contribute to the spread of disease through their mobility. As immunization rates are generally lower among the homeless and many do not access mainstream health care, we argue that community vaccine clinics must be used to reach these individuals. We provide support by analyzing Toronto Public Health’s operation of vaccine clinics in shelters and drop-in centres during pH1N1 and conclude that this strategy is effective for immunizing homeless individuals, bringing together the equity and utility principles.

Journal Name: Public Health Ethics