Navigating Homelessness Assistance While Pregnant: A Rapid Qualitative Research-to-Policy Collaboration in...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Reproductive Health
• Health Equity

Background:

• Homelessness during pregnancy is linked to adverse outcomes for both mother and child.
• Washington, DC, exhibits significant racial disparities in perinatal health and housing insecurity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the experiences of pregnant individuals navigating homelessness assistance.
• To inform policy and practice changes for improved housing and support services.

Main Methods:

• The study employed thematic analysis of 20 individual interviews.
• An action-oriented approach was used to analyze lived experiences.

Main Results:

• Key recommendations include: 1) timely access to safe housing, 2) coordinated care for physical, mental, and social well-being, and 3) access to living wages and affordable housing.

Conclusions:

• Stable housing is fundamental for reproductive justice, enabling safe environments for raising children.
• Meaningful housing support must address complex needs and competing demands.
• Policy changes require political will to promote economic justice and ensure housing security.