A House Is Not a Home: A Qualitative Assessment of the Life Experiences of Alcoholic Homeless Women

Abstract

An estimated 17% of the homeless population in the United States are women. In this qualitative study, interviews were conducted with 7 chronically homeless, alcoholic women selected from a related study, to gain deeper insights regarding their perceptions of housing. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. To ensure reliability, several investigators worked to create categories from which patterns of themes emerged. A consistent pattern of having experienced inadequate home life from an early age emerged. Policies of reestablishing the traditional home for homeless and alcoholic women must consider the life experiences of the women along with their immediate need for shelter.

KEYWORDS:

• addiction
• alcoholic
• homeless women
• Housing First
• qualitative
• substance abuse

Bonnie Burlingham is now with the Washington State Hospital Association, Seattle, Washington.