Social connection among the unhoused in Northern Arizona

Homelessness is a major public health issue in the US. Research shows that unhoused people face numerous challenges including social isolation and loneliness while simultaneously desiring and establishing social connections. We draw on research conducted from 2017 through 2019 at an emergency shelter in Northern Arizona. Methods included participant observation and 14 semi-structured interviews with shelter guests. Interviews explored childhood, social connections, work, and experiences of institutional and interpersonal care. Themes identified include adversity in early relationships, positive relationships, and the complex relationships between unhoused individuals and social service providers. Reciprocal social relations offered these unhoused individuals a sense of worth and recognition. At the same time, some relationships, including those with social service providers, may compromise personal autonomy. Social services can be improved by promoting reciprocal relationships and opportunities for unhoused individuals to be care-givers as well as care-receivers. This study contributes to social theory on reciprocity, autonomy, and loneliness.