A vacation for the homeless: evaluating a collaborative community respite programme in Canada through clients'...

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Homeless youth face significant challenges impacting their well-being.
• Structured interventions are needed to support life changes for this population.
• The Urban Breakaway Project offers a unique countryside vacation experience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate participant satisfaction with the Urban Breakaway Project.
• To assess participants' intention to change and perceived life improvements.
• To explore the correlation between satisfaction and perceived life improvements.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative analysis of satisfaction (Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-3) and perceived improvement (Perceived Improvement Questionnaire).
• Survey administered to 107 participants in the first year of operation.
• Qualitative data on appreciated program characteristics.

Main Results:

• A positive correlation was found between client satisfaction and perceived improvement (r = 0.37).
• 95% of participants reported moderate-to-definite intentions to change their lives.
• Significant improvements were noted in mood, leisure, appetite, physical condition, and self-esteem.

Conclusions:

• The Urban Breakaway Project is effective for both street youth and older homeless individuals.
• High participant satisfaction is linked to perceived improvements in life situations.
• Program elements like the natural setting, focus on basic needs, and social opportunities are key to its success.