Capability Traps Impeding Homeless Services: A Community-Based System Dynamics Evaluation

Abstract

Continuums of Care (CoCs) are the primary coordinating bodies for homeless services in the United States. However, the complexities involved in delivering homeless services across interagency networks challenges coordination and system improvement. CoC governance, planning, and service provision have received little attention in academic literature, and thus, Continuums attempt to manage complex systems with little guidance. This evaluation applied community-based system dynamics with homeless consumers and service providers to (1) identify capability traps that impede services delivery and to (2) engage stakeholders in a structured system improvement process. Results revealed organizational structures for governance and planning that inhibit system outcomes. Insights led to policy and practice recommendations for the homeless system.

Keywords:

• Continuum of care
• homelessness
• network governance
• collaboration
• capability trap
• community-based system dynamics

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the homeless consumers and service providers who generously donated their time and effort to help improve homeless services in their area.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The project was supported by Award Number [90CA1815] (PI: Fowler) from the Administration for Children and Families – Children’s Bureau.