Abstract

Family homelessness is a serious concern in the United States. Recognizing this, increased efforts have been put into housing families through various rapid rehousing initiatives. Little is known, however, about effectively supporting families to transition from these temporary housing programs to sustainable self-sufficiency (Cunningham, Gillespie, & Anderson, 2015). This dissertation is a community-engaged study that examines the needs and experiences of families over time in the No Child Left Unsheltered (NCLU) program, operated by the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino (HACSB). It uses a mixed-methods, longitudinal design to capture the experiences and needs of families over a year while in the program. Case study methodology (Yin, 2014) was used to construct a theory that seeks to explain family needs and experiences (Aim I), the factors and contexts that influence family progress toward economic self-sufficiency (Aim II), and the mental health experiences and needs of families (Aim III). The results highlight the benefits of housing, along with the effects of trauma and stress on families’ progress toward self-sufficiency, and the need for mental health services. The findings have implications for the development of improved housing policy and programs, and for mental health professionals seeking to better support families who are transitioning out of homelessness.

LLU Discipline

Systems, Families, and Couples

Department

Counseling and Family Sciences

School

School of Behavioral Health

First Advisor

Brian J. Distelberg

Second Advisor

Peter Fraenkel

Third Advisor

Zephon D. Lister

Fourth Advisor

Jacqueline M. Williams-Reade

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Level

Ph.D.

Year Degree Awarded

2018

Date (Title Page)

6-2018

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Ill-Housed Persons -- psychology; Mental Health Services

Type

Dissertation

Page Count

xvi; 170 p.

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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