Housing & Shelter: All Related Resources

Recently the demographic characteristics of people experiencing individual homelessness have changed; more individuals over the age of 50 are experiencing homelessness. BHHI researchers examined the motivations for and challenges of older adults experiencing homelessness staying with or moving in with family or friends. Researchers found barriers to stay such as feelings of shame and concerns about burdening the hosts. Findings suggest that family members and friends may play an important role in supporting older adults experiencing homelessness.

In the United States there has been a simultaneous rise of mass incarceration and homelessness. Both of these phenomena are driven by the same structural factors, housing being the most important. Researchers present evidence-based approaches to improve housing strategies for reentry populations, prevent homelessness among those in community supervision, and rehouse members of the reentry community experiencing homelessness.

In this cross-sectional study, researchers studied the association between residential relocation and health outcomes in people who inject drugs (PWID). PWID are at an increased risk of low socioeconomic status and homelessness. Researchers found that any residential movement in the past 30 days was associated with increased odds of bad health outcomes.

The homeless population is aging and adults who experience homelessness for the first time in older age are more likely to progress to chronic homelessness. To prevent or delay homelessness, many people live temporarily live with family or friends. In this qualitative study of homeless older adults, researchers conducted 46 semi-structured interviews. They found that structural barriers to family and friends providing housing for temporary or permanent exits from homelessness included housing regulations, geographic and transportation challenges, and environments inconducive to older adults.