A Social-Epidemiological Five Year Cohort Study of Homeless Families

Summary

There are significant social investments in families uprooted by homelessness. There are no data clearly delineating types of families helped, and how long help has sustained them. Computer technology was utilized to track eight hundred and seventy-five homeless families who received networked services from both public and private providers in a case managed family shelter from 1983 to 1987. Discussed are secondary data in case files and primary data from field interviews on longitudinal residential history, employment, familial and demographic changes, and service needs.

Policy questions focus on current residential stability and community reintegration.