Identifying occupation-based needs and services for individuals experiencing homelessness using interviews and...

Area of Science:

• Occupational therapy
• Homelessness research
• Human services

Background:

• Homelessness presents multifaceted societal and individual challenges.
• Understanding the impact of homelessness is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the occupation-based needs of persons experiencing homelessness (PEH).
• To identify current services and desired support systems for PEH in an urban setting.

Main Methods:

• Conducted semi-structured interviews with eight PEH.
• Utilized Photovoice methodology with twelve PEH to capture meaningful objects and associated quotes.
• Gathered qualitative data on daily activities, helpful services, and requested support.

Main Results:

• Identified under-addressed occupational areas including instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), activities of daily living (ADLs), leisure, social participation, and rest/sleep.
• Case management services primarily addressed basic self-care needs.
• PEH requested group therapy, shelter individualization, and staff training.

Conclusions:

• Occupational therapy practitioners are well-equipped to assess and address the service needs of PEH.
• Photovoice data suggests that meaningful objects may reflect satisfaction despite homelessness.