Capability Traps Impeding Homeless Services: A Community-Based System Dynamics Evaluation |
| |
Authors: | Patrick J Fowler Kenneth Wright Katherine E Marcal Ellis Ballard Peter S Hovmand |
| |
Institution: | 1. George Warren Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USAhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-3941-3916;3. George Warren Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA |
| |
Abstract: | Continuums of Care (CoCs) are the primary coordinating bodies for homeless services in the United States. However, the complexities involved in delivering homeless services across interagency networks challenges coordination and system improvement. CoC governance, planning, and service provision have received little attention in academic literature, and thus, Continuums attempt to manage complex systems with little guidance. This evaluation applied community-based system dynamics with homeless consumers and service providers to (1) identify capability traps that impede services delivery and to (2) engage stakeholders in a structured system improvement process. Results revealed organizational structures for governance and planning that inhibit system outcomes. Insights led to policy and practice recommendations for the homeless system. |
| |
Keywords: | Continuum of care homelessness network governance collaboration capability trap community-based system dynamics |
|
|