Understanding the Lived Experience of Formerly Homeless Adults as They Transition to Supportive Housing

Abstract

The researchers conducted in-depth interviews with formerly homeless adults who had moved to supportive housing to understand their perceived occupational needs and the factors that affected their transition. A qualitative research design with four participants who had a history of substance abuse and mental illness was used. Participant interviews that addressed categories of daily living and personal satisfaction produced data that were coded for analysis using conventional content analysis. Mega themes emerged that related to factors shaping the housing transition and maintenance experience. Occupational therapists can use these findings to create informed interventions to enhance this population's occupational performance.

KEYWORDS:

• homelessness
• activities of daily living
• occupational therapy

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We thank the following for help with interview protocol development, participant recruitment, data collection, and data analysis: Katie Bower, Konju Briggs, Vivian Chong, Stephanie Crane, Emily Querna, and Heidi Woo.