Reducing Family Homelessness and Improving Child Outcomes: A Housing-First Approach

Abstract

Homelessness is a growing concern in the United States, and it has particularly detrimental consequences for children. Homelessness is a severe form of poverty that leads to increased vulnerability to traumatic life experiences and systematic challenges which rob them of their basic human rights and capabilities. Housing instability can further disrupt family routines and affect parenting behaviors, thereby increasing the risk of negative developmental outcomes for children. Although the detrimental effects of homelessness and severe poverty on child and family outcomes are undeniable, controversy exists in discussions of the services that should be offered to homeless families due to fundamental differences in attitudes towards homeless individuals. Finding effective strategies for relieving family homelessness is imperative, not only because this is economically beneficial but also because access to stable housing is a fundamental human right that serves as the foundation from which children and parents can grow to be productive members of society. [From introductory section]