Exploring the pathway out of homelessness: Social support and social network differences in homeless shelter compared to transitional housing residents

The purpose of this study was to explore the role of social networks and support in homeless individuals' transition out of homelessness. The research sample consisted of 103 homeless individuals (35 long-term shelter male residents; 34 men in transitional housing; 34 women in transitional housing) who were randomly selected and interviewed. The interview consisted of questions about eleven risk factors for homelessness and completion of two instruments measuring social networks and perceived social support. In order to obtain an organizational perspective of the research questions, two staff members from each research site were interviewed.;This study was a cross-sectional survey design, comparing the social relationships of homeless men residing in long-term shelter beds to those residing in transitional housing. Gender comparisons were made of men and women who resided in transitional housing. Statistical analysis included a two-independent group analysis of variance and linear multivariate regression analysis. The interviews with staff were analyzed, using qualitative methodology.;The results indicated that men in transitional housing compared to men in long-term shelters had statistically larger social networks, but no differences in perceived social support. Men in transitional housing were significantly older, had been homeless longer, had poorer health status, and had more frequently received psychological help. In examining gender differences of transitional housing residents, women had greater perceived social support, but not larger social networks. Male transitional housing residents were significantly older than the women; women stayed longer than men in transitional housing.;This study offers one of the few systematic comparisons of the homeless population at two different points on the continuum in breaking the cycle of homelessness. Transitional housing male residents had a different demographic profile and a significantly larger social network compared to long-term shelter residents. Because this was a cross-sectional study, it is not known if these profile differences are due to the structure of transitional housing or reflect a subgroup of homeless persons who choose to live in transitional housing. This study suggests the need to explore further the role of transitional housing in breaking the cycle of homelessness.