Investigating Dynamic Individual and Systemic Factors in the Experience of Chronic Homelessness

Background and Purpose

More than a third of individuals experiencing homelessness last year were considered chronically homeless, an almost 35% increase from the year prior. Complex micro- and macro-level factors profoundly affect how individuals access resources and dynamically interact with their environments to leverage them. There is a robust body of research devoted to understanding and intervening with the individual experiencing homelessness. Research related to predisposing factors includes mental health, substance use, trauma, early life violence exposure, including child welfare involvement, dysfunctional or insufficient social networks as well as sexual and gender minority identification. Current macro-level interventions for homeless individuals focus on facilitating housing placement through subsidies that quickly link them to affordable, safe, stable, and supportive housing. There is limited empirical work that considers both individual-level and systemic factors. The presented research examined system-level factors related to the social identities of race and gender to understand differential experiences and individual conceptualizations of these experiences.

The primary research questions were:

1. How do individuals experiencing chronic homelessness explain their history of, and trajectory through, homelessness?
2. What individual and system-level factors are identified as contributing to chronic homelessness by those experiencing it?
3. How do individuals experiencing chronic homelessness believe their racial and gender identities have impacted their interactions with the homeless service system?

Methods

In-depth, semi-structured interviews with forty individuals with chronic homelessness history were completed in a Midwestern city. A grounded theory approach was applied to develop theoretical frameworks to improve understanding of chronic homelessness broadly, as well as differential experiences rooted in racism, misogyny, and cisgenderism. Researcher reflexivity was employed to better understand the potential impact of the race and gender identity of the research team on participant responses.

Results

Qualitative themes centered on caregiving and aging loved ones, intergenerational poverty, mid-life socialization, and lack of homelessness networking. Few participants explicitly named their race or gender as having a direct impact on their chronic homelessness experiences. However, many identified and shared examples of differential treatment upon follow-up questioning.

Conclusions and Implications

This research underscores the dynamic nature of chronic homelessness, revealing the intersectionality of race and gender with systemic barriers. Though few participants directly attributed their experiences to race or gender, implicit biases were evident in differential treatment within the homeless service system. Caregiving responsibilities and limited social networks emerged as significant themes. Ethical considerations, including researcher reflexivity, highlight the need for sensitivity to power dynamics. Policy implications include advocating for anti-discrimination measures, assessment and remediation of institutional implicit bias, and culturally responsive support services. Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of addressing systemic inequalities to combat chronic homelessness effectively.