Roya Ijadi-Maghsoodi, MD, MSHPM; Sophie Feller, MD; Gery W. Ryan PhD; Lisa Altman MD; Donna L. Washington MD, MPH; Sheryl Kataoka MD, MSHS; Lillian Gelberg MD, MSPH
Corresponding Author: Roya Ijadi-Maghsoodi, MD, MSHPM; VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. Email: Rijadimaghsoodi@mednet.ucla.edu
Section: Original Research
Publication: 3/18/2021
Background: Veteran family homelessness is a significant issue, yet little is known about the needs and barriers to services of veteran families experiencing homelessness. This qualitative study examined the experiences, needs, and barriers to services among homeless-experienced veteran families to inform primary care providers for this important population. Methods: 25 semi-structured interviews were conducted from February through September 2016 with 18 veteran parents with a recent history of homelessness (9 mothers, 9 fathers), and 7 homeless service providers throughout Los Angeles County. The “Sector Wheel for UnderResourced Populations” data elicitation approach was used to conduct the interviews, which allowed the participant to guide the interview by discussing different sectors of a family’s life affected by homelessness. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and themes were coded with Atlas.ti. Results: Interviews revealed parenting stress and worsening family mental health during homelessness. Participants described barriers to navigating housing, social, and health services with children, including not knowing where to seek help, difficulty connecting to health and social services in the community, and a lack of family-focused services. Parents encountered discrimination by landlords and lack of access to permanent housing in safe neighborhoods. Conclusions: Findings demonstrate a need for delivering family centered and comprehensive services to homeless-experienced veteran families that recognize the multifaceted needs of this Abstract_Revised population. Advocacy initiatives are needed to address discrimination against veterans experiencing family homelessness and increase access to affordable permanent housing in safe neighborhoods for families.