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Homeless families: rebuilding connections
1Boston College School of Nursing, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.
Public Health Nursing (Boston, Mass.)
|June 1, 1991
Summary
Homelessness is rising among young families, particularly women facing abuse, income loss, and housing discrimination. This review highlights the need for nursing advocacy and support for this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Nursing
Background:
- Young families represent the fastest-growing demographic experiencing homelessness in the U.S.
- This population often faces multifaceted challenges including physical/sexual abuse, financial instability due to divorce, and housing discrimination.
- Homelessness leads to critical disconnections from essential resources like healthcare, education, and social support systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on the factors contributing to homelessness among young families.
- To promote a deeper understanding of the unique vulnerabilities of this population.
- To advocate for enhanced nursing interventions and support for homeless young families.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of selected studies.
- Analysis of factors contributing to family homelessness.
- Identification of key challenges faced by homeless young families.
Main Results:
- Confirmed that young families are a rapidly expanding segment of the homeless population.
- Identified physical/sexual abuse, divorce-related income reduction, and housing discrimination as significant contributing factors for women.
- Highlighted the profound social and economic isolation experienced by homeless families.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the complex needs of homeless young families is crucial for effective intervention.
- Nursing advocacy is essential to address the systemic issues contributing to family homelessness.
- Targeted support services are required to mitigate the adverse effects of homelessness on young families.