Providing Housing First services for an underserved population during the early wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

We assessed the critical role of Housing First (HF) programs and frontline workers in responding to challenges faced during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine HF frontline workers from three HF programs between May 2020 and July 2020, in Toronto, Canada. Information was collected on challenges and adjustments needed to provide services to HF clients (people experiencing homelessness and mental disorders). We applied the Analytical Framework method and thematic analysis to our data.

Results

Inability to provide in-person support and socializing activities, barriers to appropriate mental health assessments, and limited virtual communication due to clients' lack of access to digital devices were a

SUBMITTER: Mejia-Lancheros C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9714853 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature