Placing a Spotlight on Rural Homelessness: Identifying the Barriers and Facilitators to Successfully Supporting Homeless Families within Rural Communities

ABSTRACT

This mixed-method study examined a rural homeless shelter serving families (a historically understudied population) and explored what factors (i.e., demographic, mental health, and social) influence whether an individual was successful in graduating shelter programming. Survey data was collected from 92 participants. Regression analysis tested demographics and a range of factors as predictors for successfully graduating the program. Findings indicated that education, social support, and income influenced one’s ability to successfully graduate. Additionally, qualitative interviews (N = 11) highlighted programmatic supports (i.e., case management, parenting classes, and moral reconation therapy) along with sociocultural barriers concerning successful program completion.

KEYWORDS:

• family homelessness
• rural communities
• transitional housing shelters
• mixed methods

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.