Insights from COVID-19 pandemic-era innovations at the intersection of homelessness and substance use: in-depth qualitative interviews with key informants.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic presented significant new needs and challenges for people experiencing homelessness (PEH) and people with substance use disorders (SUDs). In response, program leaders modified existing programs and developed new ones to meet these needs during a unique policy and public health environment. This study aimed to examine how these innovations unfolded and what lessons can be learned from their implementation.

Methods

We performed in-depth, semi-structured qualitative interviews with key informants (n = 37 informants) from programs serving PEH and addressing substance use created or adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States (U.S.) and Canada. Informants spanned a wide range of backgrounds, program types, and geographic locations. W

SUBMITTER: Gross C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12917979 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature