Perceptions of social support usage among single men experiencing recurrent homelessness

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Single adult men are at increased risk of recurring homelessness and comprise a large percentage of those experiencing episodic homelessness. This manuscript explored pathways into repeated episodes of homelessness for single men through participants’ perceptions of using social support to find and maintain housing. Method: This study utilized qualitative methods to understand experiences of men who had been housed but had lost permanent housing within the past two years. Grounded theory methods were adapted, specifically techniques of using open and focused coding, constant comparison, and memo-writing. Results: Two themes captured participants’ (n = 25) views on utilizing social support. First, men shared their experiences with insufficient social support, both in terms of quality and quantity. Second, participants expressed hesitancy to utilize available support and resources. Three sub-themes around hesitancy are described: a sense of personal responsibility/ self-reliance, concerns about being a burden, and feelings of disdain towards those dependent on support. Discussion: Social networks were described as small and sometimes detrimental to well-being with participants having few healthy, secure relationships. Although some participants described longstanding isolation, even those with social and familial connections described a strong sense of self-reliance and hesitancy to seek assistance.

KEYWORDS:

• Homeless adult men
• chronic homelessness and social supports
• chronic homelessness in men

Disclosure statement

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

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by University of Kentucky; University of Louisville.

Notes on contributors

Natalie D. Pope

Natalie D. Pope is an associate professor and Ph.D. program director in the College of Social Work at the University of Kentucky. Natalie has always been drawn to understanding people's lived experiences and the meaning people attribute to their experiences. Her passion for qualitative inquiry informs her scholarship and teaching in ways that include teaching and mentoring students in qualitative methods and collaborating with colleagues on qualitative and mixed methods projects.

Susan Buchino

Susan Buchino is an occupational therapist who advocates for population health through policy and structural changes that enhance equitable opportunities, particularly in housing and homeless services. Susan is the Social Enterprise Director of LDG Development and the Executive Director at the Arthur Street Hotel in Louisville, KY where they believe that everyone deserves a quality place to live.

Kotomi Yokokura

Kotomi Yokokura is a senior at the University of Kentucky majoring in social work. Kotomi has extensive service and leadership experience. These include starting a 501(c)(3) that addresses period poverty and testifying before the Kentucky House of Representatives around issues of educator sexual misconduct.

Kathy Clark

Kathy Clark is pursuing a Ph.D. in the College of Social Work at the University of Kentucky. She has over 20 years of experience working in social work. Kathy's practice experience includes working with children and families at a state child protection agency, in an outpatient community mental health agency, and at an inpatient behavioral health hospital.

Kalea Benner

Kalea Benner is the Dean of the Indiana University School of Social Work. She has extensive higher education experience, and her current responsibilities span fiscal, development, academic, and research areas. As a licensed clinical social worker, her practice experience focused on the intersection of child welfare and mental health, reflecting her research interests as well.