Access Type

Open Access Thesis

Date of Award

January 2011

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.S.W.

Department

Social Work

First Advisor

Bart Miles

Abstract

Individual outcomes and barriers to program implementation for Shelter Plus Care are presented in an exploratory study investigating the impact of a permanent supportive housing program - Shelter Plus Care - in Detroit, a city that faces unique challenges and complicated needs. Individual outcomes including improved housing stability, increased income and reports of enhanced self-sufficiency suggest the program is achieving the goals projected by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Despite positive outcomes for individual consumers, barriers to program implementation emerged as thematic problems for organizations running the program. The study provides recommendations that may increase the number of Shelter Plus Care units while simultaneously increasing the number of individuals exiting homelessness; streamlining fragmented funding streams; refining loosely defined HUD guidelines; and improving data collection procedures.

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