Family contact and housing stability in a national multi-site cohort of homeless adults with severe mental illness

Abstract

This study examined associations between family contact and housing stability among 4,778 homeless persons with mental illness who received intensive outreach and case management services through the national multi-site ACCESS project. Ordinary-least squares regression analysis found that, at 12-months post-study entry, greater contact with relatives to whom participants feel close, more frequent telephone contact, and greater satisfaction with family relationships were associated with a greater number of nights in stable housing. Program and policy implications for strengthening family ties as a means to reduce homelessness among this population are discussed.