Digging Deeper: Considering the Marginalizing Experience of Homelessness in Developing Program Performance Objectives

Abstract

Engaging citizens in performance work can be difficult and resource-intensive and may yield few instrumental benefits. Some argue it is still beneficial for democratic purposes as it enables government to be more responsive to community preferences and needs. This paper argues there is an additional layer to understanding citizen preferences that involves connecting citizens’ lived experiences to their perspectives on performance objectives. This research explores this topic in the context of citizens with the lived experience of homelessness. Interviews with formerly homeless individuals and with professional administrators working in the affordable housing and homelessness fields reveal these citizens and administrators often assign different meanings to performance objectives associated with permanent supportive housing programs. In addition, findings indicate the stigma associated with being homeless, the lack of safety while homeless, and the lack of control over one’s life while homeless inform citizen perspectives on performance objectives.

Keywords:

• Citizen engagement
• homelessness
• marginalized citizens
• performance measurement

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank Dr. Mary Guy for her guidance and mentorship. I am also grateful for the anonymous reviewers who provided thoughtful and constructive comments on this paper.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Vanessa M. Fenley

Vanessa M. Fenley is an Assistant Professor in the School of Public Policy and Leadership at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Her research focuses on issues of collaborative governance, citizen engagement, and equity.