Practices to Reduce Stigma and Discrimination Towards Older Transitional Housing Clients.

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Public Health
• Gerontology

Background:

• Homelessness is a persistent social problem exacerbated by stigmatization and discrimination, termed homeism.
• Limited research exists on homeism within transitional housing, particularly concerning older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore experiences of homeism among older adults in transitional housing.
• To identify program practices that mitigate homeism and its consequences.

Main Methods:

• Secondary analysis of qualitative interviews with 15 providers and clients of a transitional housing program in Western Canada.
• Examined client self-stigmatization, external discrimination, and program interventions.

Main Results:

• Clients described self-stigmatization and poor treatment from others, leading to negative consequences.
• Effective program practices included harm reduction, humanizing treatment, stable addresses, and arts-based/community-building activities.
• These practices helped reduce internalized stigma and improve community perceptions.

Conclusions:

• Transitional housing programs can implement policies to reduce homeism and support older adults.
• Interventions like harm reduction and community building are key to shifting negative perceptions and reducing shame.
• Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms through which these interventions reduce stigma.