Objectives: This study aimed to identify variables and profiles of individuals experiencing homelessness associated with service use and satisfaction, suicidal behaviors, residential stability, quality of life and adequacy of needs, and to evaluate whether one type of accommodation (shelters, transitional, permanent housing) is more closely associated with better service use and more positive impacts.
Method: The study is based on the synthesis of 10 articles recently published in international anglophone journals, in which a cohort of individuals experiencing homelessness responded at a 12-month interval (T0=455, T1=270) to a questionnaire. Regression and cluster analyses were produced based on the Gelberg model, classifying associated variables into predisposing, enabling and need factors. A mixed method design adapted from the Maslow model dealing with unmet needs was also used.
Results: At T1, 81% of the individuals who were living in permanent housing at T0 still lived there 12 months later; 54% of those who were in transitional housing had gained access to permanent housing, while 64% of shelters users were still using them at T1. Overall, individuals living in permanent housing had less health and social problems, were more followed by a case manager and a physician, and presented better health outcomes including fewer emergency department visits and hospitalizations.
Conclusion: The study reinforces the promotion of consolidation of permanent supported housing for individuals experiencing homelessness. Transitional housing is nevertheless recommendable for individuals with fewer or less complex health problems, having facilitated access to permanent housing in the study.