Critical Incidents That Facilitate Homeless People’s Transition off the Streets

Abstract

Employing Flanagan’s critical incident methodology (J. C. Flanagan, 1954), selfreports from 17 participants who successfully exited from the street lifestyle to mainstream society revealed 314 incidents that helped or hindered their transition. The incidents were sorted into 19facilitating categories and4 hindering categories. Results were discussed in light ofthefollowing themes: (1) establishing supportive relationships, (2) discovering some measure ofself-esteem, (3) accepting personal responsibility, (4) accomplishing mainstream lifestyle goals, and (5) changing perceptions. The implications of the “categorical map” depicting this transition are discussed in relation to research and to those who assist in this passage.

Key Words:

• Street people
• Homeless
• Transition
• Critical incidents