A qualitative exploration of relations and interactions between people who are homeless and use drugs and staff in homeless hostel accommodation

Abstract

Aims: This article explores relations and interactions between hostel staff and people who are homeless, use drugs (PHUD) and stay in hostels and shelters. Methods: Data collection took place in six areas of South Central England. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 40 participants who were staying or had recently stayed in an emergency hostel or shelter. Recordings were professionally transcribed and coded and analysed using Framework. Results: Despite there being some positive experiences, generally PHUD had negative experiences of living in hostels. Poor treatment, not listening, lack of privacy, infantilization and unprofessionalism emerged as key themes and impeded the development of social capital. Conclusions: Hostel staff are not always assigned a therapeutic role. However evidence from the current study suggests that care and consideration may go a long way in aiding homeless drug users’ progression in hostel settings.

• Homeless hostels
• substance use
• hostel staff
• qualitative research
• homelessness
• social capital

Notes

1 The term “staff” will refer to all staff within hostels and shelters from this point onwards.

2 The Big Issue is a magazine sold by homeless and vulnerably housed people in order to earn a legitimate income.