RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 A Sector Wheel Approach to Understanding the Needs and Barriers to Services among Homeless-Experienced Veteran Families
JF The Journal of the American Board of Family
                Medicine
JO J Am Board Fam Med
FD American Board of Family Medicine
SP 309
OP 319
DO 10.3122/jabfm.2021.02.200331
VO 34
IS 2
A1 Roya Ijadi-Maghsoodi
A1 Sophie Feller
A1 Gery W. Ryan
A1 Lisa Altman
A1 Donna L. Washington
A1 Sheryl Kataoka
A1 Lillian Gelberg
YR 2021
UL http://www.jabfm.org/content/34/2/309.abstract
AB 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 providers for this important population.Methods: Twenty-five 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 Under-Resourced 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 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.