Housing stability, employment, and survival behaviors among young mothers experiencing homelessness: A randomized controlled trial of a housing intervention

Abstract

The present study examined the efficacy of a comprehensive housing intervention (Ecologically-Based Treatment - temporary housing and supportive services) on the longitudinal co-occurring patterns of housing stability, employment, and survival behaviors among a sample of young mothers experiencing homelessness. Participants were randomly assigned to: (1) temporary housing + supportive services (n = 80), (2) housing-only (n = 80), or (3) services as usual (n = 80). Follow-up assessments were completed at 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-months post-baseline. Findings showed that both Ecologically-Based Treatment and housing-only were superior to services as usual in increasing housing stability, reducing survival behaviors, and maintaining or improving employment. When comparing Ecologically-Based Treatment and housing-only conditions, the superiority of the Ecologically-Based Treatment condition over the housing-only condition in increasing housing stability and reducing survival behaviors was consistently observed. The temporary housing and support services intervention is efficacious in promoting stabilization (i.e., housing, employment, survival behaviors) of young mothers experiencing homelessness.

Keywords: Housing first; Rapid re-housing and parenting; Youth experiencing homelessness.