Experiences of transitioning from homelessness: a systematic review and meta-aggregation of qualitative studies conducted in middle to high income countries

ABSTRACT

Several systematic reviews have synthesized studies exploring the experience of homelessness. No known reviews have synthesized findings of studies exploring experiences of transitioning to housing following homelessness. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic review and meta-aggregation of qualitative evidence using the methodology developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) following PRISMA guidelines. Of 8559 titles and abstracts screened, we included 57 studies in our meta-aggregation, and generated six synthesized findings: 1) trying to move on but facing ongoing individual and structural barriers; 2) home as a launching pad for self-discovery and emotional and spiritual growth; 3) social connection as a fundamental and often unmet need; 4) having housing that is the right fit and enables a sense of safety and avoidance of trauma; 5) meaningful activity as facilitating community integration and the journey home; and 6) the meaning of having services that are effective, caring, and responsive to the person. Our findings suggest that leaving homelessness is a complex process that does not immediately end with attaining a tenancy. Future research designed to understand the experiences of leaving homelessness for racialized and Indigenous persons, women leaving domestic violence, and persons identifying as 2SLGBTQ2 + are needed.

KEYWORDS:

• activities of daily living*
• meaningful engagement
• social participation*
• belonging
• community integration

Acknowledgements

We acknowledge the peer reviewers for their contributions throughout the publication process, and wish to express our gratitude for their feedback and helpful guidance.

Data availability statement

The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by an internal grant awarded to the principal investigator by Western University in 2020 [Grant number: R5840A08].

Notes on contributors

Carrie Anne Marshall

Dr. Carrie Anne Marshall is an Assistant Professor in the School of Occupational Therapy, and Director of the Social Justice in Mental Health Research Lab at Western University in London, Ontario, Canada. Her research focuses on the intersection between poverty and mental health, with much of her research focused on homelessness and how to support individuals to thrive after homelessness.

Corinna Easton

Corinna Easton is a PhD. Candidate in the Social Justice in Mental Health Research Lab at Western University. Ms. Easton's research focuses on food insecurity among persons who are unhoused.

Brooke Phillips

Brooke Phillips is a Research Coordinator in the Social Justice in Mental Health Research Lab.

Leonie Boland

Leonie Boland is a practicing Occupational Therapist in the Programme for the Homeless in Dublin, Ireland, whose research focuses on the transition to housing following homelessness.

Roxanne Isard

Roxanne Isard is a Teaching and Learning Librarian in the Allyn and Betty Taylor Library at Western University in London, ON, Canada.

Julia Holmes

Julia Holmes is a Research Coordinator in the Social Justice in Mental Health Research Lab at Western University.

Chelsea Shanoff

Chelsea Shanoff were students in the MSc.OT programs at Western University, London, Ontario, and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia respectively at the time of conducting this review.

Kieran Hawksley

Kieran Hawksley were students in the MSc.OT programs at Western University, London, Ontario, and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia respectively at the time of conducting this review.

Terry Landry

Terry Landry is the Regional Director, Community Adult Mental Health at Providence Care Hospital in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

Rebecca Goldszmidt

Rebecca Goldszmidt, MSc. students in the Social Justice in Mental Health Research Lab at Western University.

Suliman Aryobi

Suliman Aryobi was a Research Assistant in the Social Justice in Mental Health Research Lab at Western University during the conduct of this review.

Patti Plett

Patti Plett, MSc. students in the Social Justice in Mental Health Research Lab at Western University.

Abe Oudshoorn

Dr. Abe Oudshoorn is an Associate Professor and Associate Director in the School of Nursing at Western University. Dr. Oudshoorn's research focuses on homelessness and mental health.