Training preferences of homelessness assistance service providers: a brief report

ABSTRACT

This brief report presents results from a study that evaluated trainings provided by a local Continuum of Care lead agency to homelessness assistance service providers. The study explored types of trainings desired by participants, benefits and drawbacks of existing trainings and how they are offered, and ways in which trainings and the training delivery system could be improved. Data were collected through semistructured focus groups attended by 21 providers. Data analysis identified themes related to specific trainings that, providers believe, would increase their effectiveness and improve organizational efficiency and culture. Participants also identified ways in which trainings were beneficial, but they also provided feedback about ways trainings could be improved.

KEYWORDS:

• Homelessness
• training
• service delivery
• evaluation
• qualitative

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Tarrant County Homeless Coalition.

Notes on contributors

Mary K. Twis

Dr. Mary K. Twis serves as an assistant professor and Master of Social Work program director at Texas Christian University.

James C. Petrovich

Dr. James C. Petrovich serves as department chair and professor at Carroll College.

Dow Emily

Dow Emily is a master of social work student at Texas Christian University.

Spencer Evans

Spencer Evans is a master of social work student at Texas Christian University.

Laura A. Addicks

Laura A. Addicks is a Health Sciences Ph.D. student at Texas Christian University.