Community and Housing First: A qualitative analysis of USA residents' perspectives

Plymouth Housing is a Housing First organisation in Seattle, WA (USA) that provides far more than housing for its residents-staff are equally concerned with building community and creating a sense of belonging. The objective of this study was to interview residents about their experiences of community and collect their suggestions for improving community, building efforts within this organisation. This exploratory qualitative study was conducted across eight buildings and included 38 participants from November 2018 to February 2019. Data were collected by the researchers in the form of focus groups and individual interviews, utilising a semi-structured interview protocol. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Themes were identified by each researcher separately and then cross referenced for validity using direct quotes from participants. Five main themes emerged from the data: 'really good community here'; mutual support and care; interpersonal connections; gatherings and events; lack of community. This study demonstrates that regularly held events and activities help to build community, create a sense of stability and increase familiarity and trust amongst residents. An implication of this study is the importance of actively soliciting residents' input to guide community building efforts. This is a small-scale exploratory study and although the findings are applicable to the participants' experiences, further research is needed to build on these findings in other parts of the USA as well as internationally.