'Home Is Where You Are Together': Qualitative Systematic Review and Meta-Synthesis of Homeless People's Description...

Homelessness is a pressing worldwide social and health concern. People who are housed may not necessarily adapt to being at 'home' and return to homelessness. To learn more, this study explored and synthesised how people with lived experiences of homelessness described the concept of 'home'. A meta-ethnographic qualitative systematic review was conducted to provide insights for improving housing outcomes and person-centred policies and programmes.

The search strategy was developed in Medline in consultation with an academic librarian and adapted for other databases. Seven databases and grey literature were systematically searched in March 2025. After removing duplicates, 3,013 records were screened in duplicate, with 44 included.

Qualitative and mixed methods studies published in English were included, focusing on people aged 16-65. Included studies were appraised using a Reporting Assessment Checklist and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme.

Participant quotes and interpretations of data were extracted and coded. Data synthesis translated concepts across studies using first-, second- and third-order analysis.

Three themes were developed. Theme one ('home is stability and return to self') described a consistent and stable home as the foundation for identity development and outlook. Home was more than a physical space but the foundation for thriving. Theme two described home as a 'protective and controllable threshold' allowing the safety and space for reflection, and self-care which promotes health and well-being. In theme three ('home is having connection'), home facilitated temporal, spiritual, personal, and community connectedness; often achieved through engagement in occupations which cultivated inclusion.

Home is more than shelter; it is a place to dream, feel safe, healthy, and part of society. It is recommended that the concepts of stability, identity, connectedness, protection, self-care, inclusion and occupation be incorporated into improving the transition into housing and for supporting future housing outcomes for homeless people.

A consumer representative who was independent of the research team and process was consulted during data synthesis to check the developing themes and discuss their implications and language used. Some changes were made following this consultation.