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Family Homelessness: State or Trait?

  • Published:
American Journal of Community Psychology

Abstract

Compares conceptualizations of homelessness as a temporary state through which people pass or a permanent trait that emanates from individual characteristics. Evidence from a longitudinal study of 564 homeless families in New York City and additional secondary sources supports the view that for families, homelessness is a temporary state that is resolved by the provision of subsidized housing. Even for single individuals with severe mental disturbances, housing is a key factor in ending homelessness, although here there is more evidence that social services also contribute. Policy implications are that governments should take a more active role in reducing homelessness by providing access to subsidized housing.

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  1. Department of Psychology, New York University, New York, New York, 10003

    Marybeth Shinn

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Shinn, M. Family Homelessness: State or Trait?. Am J Community Psychol 25, 755–769 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022209028188

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