Final Project A

Running Head: Homeless families with children Homeless Families with Children: How does this sensitive topic affect a child’s mental health as well as their behaviors? By Lisa Shade CST5990 Counseling Studies Integrative Project Dr. Thomas Page June 2, 2013 Abstract For decades, Researchers has been conducted on homeless families with children. Evidence provided from research has shown a fast growing problem for the children. The impact on the children of homeless families consists of mental health issues as well as behavioral problems. The purpose of this research is to investigate the homeless families with children and how this issue affects a child’s mental health as well as his or her behaviors. Table of Contents Chapter 1: Introduction 5 Background of the problem 6 Statement of the problem 7 Purpose of the study 7 Research question 7-8 Rationale 8 Nature of study 9 Significance of study 9-10 Chapter 2: Literature Review Introduction to literature 10 Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory 10-11 Theoretical Framework 11-12 Critical Issues/Causes 12-13 Bridging the Gaps 13-14 Past research 14-15 Current research 15 Chapter 3: Methodology Introduction 16 Research model 16 Research strategy 16-17 Sampling design 17 Measures 17-18 Data collection 18 Data analysis 18-19 Limitations to methodology 19 Internal validity 19 External validity 19 Predictions of results 20 Ethical Challenges and Issues 20-21 Summary 21-22 References 23- Chapter 1: Introduction Introduction to the study For decades, there has been an alarming increase in the number of homeless families with children as well as a growing concern about the welfare of children living under such precarious conditions (MastenMiliotis, Graham-Bermann, Ramirez, & Neemann, 1993, p. 335). Research has stated nationwide approximately 100,000 children may be homeless on any given night (Masten, Miliotis, Graham-Bermann, Ramirez, & Neemann, 1993, p. 335). Changes to present economic status have made challenges for families. Financially families are challenged daily with coping with the family’s situation. Most families are unable to cope and families are faced with homelessness. A child can endure enormous amount of stress in his or her life because of the living situation or the environment, which the child interacts. “The shelter environment is less than ideal for raising children” (Averitt, 2003, p. 92). The impact emotionally of living in a shelter for a child can be devastating. “Children who grow up in a shelter setting are exposed to ridicule in school (Averitt, 2003, p. 92). The living conditions for children causes uncertaining as well as insecurities, Furthermore, preschool children lack quality experiences in early learning environments, thus creating additional barrier to their healthy growth and learning (Swick, 2010, p. 300). Homeless families with children face many challenges trying to create a stable and meaniful life as well as healthy. Researchers suggests clearly attending to these needs “the individuals need attention, economic, social, educational, life skills, health and medical, transportation, and other basic needs” (Swick, 2010, p. 302) because each homeless family has unique needs (Swick, 2010, p. 302). Background of the Problem Homeless families with children are a fast growing social problem in the United States. Society has a “misconception that homelessness is an issue that only pertains to single men and women, but in reality thousands of families a year will experience homelessness (National Coalition for the Homeless, 2009, p.1). According to the National Coalition for the Homeless (2009) 41% of the homeless population is comprised of families (p. 1). In 2007, 23% of all homeless people were members of families with children (NCH, 2009, p. 1). Recently as estimated number of homeless children range from 800,000 to 1.2 million, which indicates 1 in 50 children in the United States are homeless (NCH, 2009, p. 1). Homeless families with children experience being homeless differently because each family has different reasons for this situation. Many families experience poverty, low wage jobs, unstable employment and lack of affordable housing (NCH, 2009, p. 2). This issue shows concern for families with children, “Regardless of the pathways to homeless, it is a traumatic experience and lack of a home to call one’s own can be devastating to a child” (Bassuk, 2010, p. 497). For the past decades, researchers have conducted studies on homeless families with children as well as published articles however; “despite the concerns, little is known about the mental health and well-being of the children” (Masten, Miliotis, Graham-Bermann, Ramirez, & Neemann, 1993, p. 335). Several research articles focus on the demographics more so than the negative outcomes on the homeless children. Homeless families with children are confronted daily with poverty and living conditions, which they need to live. Menke’s (2000) study states homeless children living in poverty is associated with negative outcomes such as physical illnesses, behavioral problems, depression, other alterations in mental health, fear or trauma from violence, as well as difficulties with school (p. 692). Homeless families with children are rapidly increasing in the United States. The stressful situations and negatively, which children endure shows importance for further studies. Children are suffering daily from their experience of being homeless and future research needs to exist in order to provide successful interventions for this issue Statement of the Problem The research focus on homeless families with children and the effects these children endure from the situation. Parents, educators, and professionals have first hand knowledge to the children’s experience of mental health as well as behavioral changes. For decades, researchers have been conducting studies with the findings being inconsistent regarding the effects of the children’s mental health and behaviors. The problem lies in being homeless and how this affects the mental well-being on children as well as the children’s behaviors. Purpose of the Study The purpose of the study is to gain knowledge and understanding how children are affected by being homeless. The study also proposes how parents view their child’s mental health and behavior’s as a result of being homeless. A few objectives will be discussed such as; this study can provide many professionals a greater understanding on the behaviors and mental health risk factors of homeless children. Another objective is to provide better programs and services for homeless children. Research Question This research surrounds the topic of homeless families with children. The research question incorporated into this study will provide a better understanding of the effects the situation causes children, Questions incorporated was; How does this sensitive topic affect a child’s mental health as well as his or her behaviors? How do parents view their child’s behaviors and well-being due to the living situation? How is preschool children affected by their living arrangements? Are there any insecurities? Data will be colleted to describe the children’s mental health and behaviors, with an understanding of providing evidence into the importance of this fast growing population. Rationale Researching the homeless families is an important issue in the United States. “Approximately 1.5 million children experience homelessness each year” (Bassuk, 2010, p. 496). The numbers are increasing dramatically because of the current economic recession, which America is struggling. Homeless adults cause’s alarm however, having children is devastating. Researching on homeless families has questions, which warrants answers. Children have stressors but being homeless causes more issues. This research will ask the question how being homeless affects the child’s mental health as well as the child’s behavior. Children without a home of their own “are severely challenged by unpredictability, dislocation, and chaos as well as being exposed to traumatic stressors place these children at high-risk for poor mental health outcomes” (Bassuk, 2010, p. 496). Researching this particular sensitive population, literature suggests homeless families with children links mental health issues as well as behavioral problems (Menke, 2000, p. 692). According to Menke (2000), Poor children experience social toxicity from their environment, which present multiple threats to their emotional, mental, and physical development” (Menke, 2000, p. 691). Children adapt to their environment or surroundings however, “children may adapt in dysfunctional ways such as excessive aggressiveness, social withdrawal, or posttraumatic stress disorder” (Menke, 2000, p. 692). Nature of Study Qualitative research will be the approach to this proposal. This approach will be forms of interviews and case studies from parents. This research method gives the researcher information from the perspective of the parents or parent. Qualitative researchers tend to be concerned with how people make sense of the world or situations and how they experience events (Willig, 2008, p. 8). The aspect aims to understand what it is like to experience particular conditions (Willig, 2008, p. 8). Families with children become homeless and have different experiences from this situation. Qualitative research ‘digs deep to get a complete understanding of the phenomenon, which is being studied” (Leedy & Ormrod, 2005, p. 151). The intent to this research is to “use context and non-judgmental approach to attempt to understand the phenomena in question from the subject’s point of view” (Leedy & Ormrod, 2005, p. 152). For the researcher to gain a better understanding on the effects of the homeless children’s mental health and behavior issues, case studies, and interviews from parents will be used to gain a perspective from their point of view. The case studies and interviews took consideration into cultural sensitivity by asking questions in the language for which the families spoke. Significance of Study The significance of this study is very important. In the past decades, research has been conducted on homeless children and the effects this situation causes children however, “little is known about the mental health and well-being of these children” (Masten, Miliotis, Graham-Bermann, Ramirez, & Neemann, 1993, p. 335). The National Coalition for the Homeless (2009) has noted being homeless with children “disrupts virtually every aspect of family life as well as damaging physical and emotional health of the children, and interferes with children’s education and development needs (p. 1). The negative effects of these children provide significant results from the research study. Homeless families with children can benefit from this study by providing knowledge and understanding into the importance of needs for this sensitive population. This study provides adequate research information, which is relevant in developing strategies for homeless families and their children. Chapter 2: Literature Review The focus of this research proposal is to gain an understanding how families who are homeless with children cope mentally as well as physically not to mention their behaviors. Several issues will be discussed for gaining knowledge of the child’s mental state and behavior stability. The literature review will consist of issues as; past research, current research and bridging the gaps of research on this sensitive topic and causes. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory This research is studying the concept of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory on homeless children. Several case studies of homeless children and the effects of his or her mental health and well-being consists of grouped parents of homeless children. Abraham Maslow was known for humanistic psychology, which his focus was on psychologically healthy individuals. Maslow describes motivation as stemming from what he calls hierarchy of needs, which consists of five sets of needs (Maslow, 2006, p. 1). Maslow’s most basic level, the physiological needs are the needs, which humans need to survive. Air, water and food are the potential of all needs, however when these needs are met other needs start to emerge. The hierarchy of needs pyramid starts at the basic needs, which is physiological needs, next is safety needs, belongingness and love needs, esteem needs and finally self-actualization needs (Maslow, 2006, p. 2). Maslow’s theory suggests one “Obtaining food, clothing and shelter becomes utterly crucial to human physiological well-being (Maslow, 2006, p. 3). Homeless families may not obtain their basic needs as well as children and this ordeal can cause many negative issues. Families with children experience disruptive environments can become an issue with his or her safety and needs. Society has an urge to be accepted as well as be loved and children are no different. Children who lack these needs can develop long-term emotional problems. According to Dennis (2010) Homeless children may develop low self-esteem because of their living arrangements (p. 15). Maslow hierarchy needs theory provides an understanding of the needs of an individual. This theory provides understanding of human-beings need to satisfy every need therefore; providing needs of children is critical for their development and well-being. Theoretical Framework Homeless families with children have become an important topic for researchers. Approximately two million children in the United States experience homelessness annually (Beharry, 2012, p. 154). Researching this particular population has indicated homeless children is confronted with issues, which can threaten his or her well-being. “Children without a home are in fair or poor health twice as often as other children also have higher rates of asthma, ear infections, stomach problems, and speech problems” (National Coalition for the Homeless, 2012, p. 3). Homeless children also experience more mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and withdrawal (NCH, 2012, p. 3). These important issues or illnesses can delay development, which “have potentially devastating consequences if not treated early” (NCH, 2012, p. 3). Children experiencing homelessness can be exposed to many negative surroundings and actions. These actions can be from violence to poor health outcomes to stress and anxiety as well as loss and grief, social isolation, difficulties achieving and attending school also making friends (Moore & McArthur, 2011, p. 150). Critical Issues/Causes Society has a misconception, which homeless is only a single female and male, however this is far from the truth. In fact, 41% of the homeless population is families with children (NCH, 2009, p. 1). Several vulnerable issues play a role on homelessness. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless (2009) “poverty and the lack of affordable housing are the prime principle causes of family homeless (p. 2). Roughly six million Americans have worst case housing needs and this increases the risk of becoming homeless because families spend 50% of their income on housing (Bassuk, 2010, p. 497). Many homeless mothers struggle with various emotional issues which affect the children (Bassuk, 2010, p. 497). Depressed mothers are viewed by society as a norm and are ignored however depression is associated with poor socioemotional outcomes and cognitive deficits in children (Bassuk, 2010, p. 497). Research on the cognitive performance of preschool children resulted in showing evidence of “developmental delays in language development, fine motor coordination, gross motor skills as well as personal/social development (Ott, 2012, p. 35).The results from the evaluation shows 35% of the children test’s score below the borderline/slow-learner on the Intelligence Test (Ott, 2012, p. 35), which, indicates the children who were homeless had a greater risk for developmental and language delays than the general population (Ott, 2012, p. 35). Bridging the Gaps A research study of homeless families with children and the effects this situation has on the child’s mental health as well as their behaviors has been limited. “For children to develop into well-rounded mentally healthy adults, able to reach self-actualization, they require their basic physiological and psychological needs be met” (Dennis, 2010, p. 19). It is important to understand the needs of this population. “The conditions, which create psychological nutrition and development is the teachings of Maslow’s famous hierarchy, are every bit as fundamental to survival as physical nutrition and development” (Seager, 2011, p. 183). Self-esteem is a huge problem among homeless families. Many problems lie in establishing and maintaining positive relations with others (Swick, 2009, p. 184). Families not having positives people in their lives will struggle with social relationships. Homeless families with children need adequate funds to avoid becoming homeless. Intervention programs are needed to these families to cope and survive daily. Intervention programs should surround family-oriented to strength the family (Wade, 2009, p. 20). Programs providers should be trained to screen children as well as the family in order to refer the family to the best program for the needs of the family. Homeless families with children experience a wide range of issues due to poverty as well as homeless. These issues can cause acute and chronic stressors, which effect children not only daily but also long-term emotional status (Dennis, 2010, p. 35). Young children and youths mental health illnesses may have been a contributing factor in becoming homeless (Beharry, 2012, p. 155). According to Beharry (2012) one-third of homeless youth meet criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder. One study revealed out of 95 homeless youths 41% met criteria for bipolar disorder, and 29% for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (Beharry, 2012, p. 156). The education system has become a disadvantage to homeless children, not because education is not providing or offering schooling for these individuals but “homeless children coping with numerous health problems and social issues hinders educational achievement” (Brown, 2008, p. 49). Homeless children attending school on a regular basis will provide academic success (Brown, 2008, p. 50). Homeless children attending school can have a positive impact on their social networking. Schools can create an environment, which provides safety structure and opportunity for homeless children (Dykeman, 2011, p. 37). Education for homeless children can provide stability in the lives of these young children. Homeless children are facing disruptive activities within their lives and these children need a positive element to give motivation to continue. Past research For decades studies have been conducted on the homeless population from data, which during a ten year period from 1992 to 2002 “had more health symptoms, which was more likely to have a diagnosis of schizophrenia and had more restricted social networks and social support” (Israel, Toro, & Ouellette, 2010, p. 49). Participants for the study included 249 homeless adults in 1992-1994. In 2000-2002 220 adults was interviewed as well as reported having independent children (Israel, Toro, & Ouellette, 2010, p. 51). The percentage of these adult having children was high, for instance in 1992-1994, 39.5% of the adults had children and in 2002-2004, 34.7% of the adults had children (Israel, Toro, & Ouellette, 2010, p. 51). This is a huge percentage of homeless children. A national representative study concluded 900,000 children were homeless in 1996 (Huntington, Buckner, 7 Bassuk, 2008, p. 737). In this era studies regarding the children’s psychological well being as well as behaviors were overlooked. One study during this time frame was conducted with 82 homeless families with 156 children. Parents reported behavior problems, negative life events, stress and anxiety (Masten, Miliotis, Graham-Bermann, Ramirez, & Neemann, 1993, p.338). The results suggest homeless families with children have a higher risk to negative exposure which can cause long-term physical, emotional and behavior problems. Homeless families with children indicate the homeless children have a greater risk of developing the problems stated (Masten, Miliotis, Graham-Bermann, Ramirez, & Neemann, 1993, p. 341). Current Research Current research has been conducted on homeless families with children with much study focusing on school aged homeless children. According to Moore & McArthur (2011) many school aged children explained they experienced embarrassment about their living situations (P. 151). Many children admitted to not going to school regularly reason was the family had no where to go and families could not afford school activities (Moore & McArthur, 2011, p. 152). Homeless families with children are one of the fastest growing segments of homelessness (Swick, 2010, p. 299). Homeless mothers state listening to the voices of their children is how they gain a special sensitivity to what it is like to be homeless (Swick, 2010, p. 300). Pre-school children is recognized as the most formative and fragile time for children (Swick, 2010, p. 301). Children facing being or becoming homeless face many obstacles such as growth functioning, severe poverty, financial difficulties for the families and violence (Swick, 2010, p. 301). Chapter 3: Methodology Introduction The focus of this proposal is the methodology aspect of the research. The methodology is from a qualitative point of view. Using the qualitative approach was to gain knowledge as well as understanding of the children of homeless families’ mental health and their behavior problems. Research on this sensitive topic can provide professionals with a balance of understanding the affects causes children and provide programs, which can be incorporated into interventions. Case studies as well as interviews will be used to help examine the affects of being homeless has n a child. The effects can cause long-term problems for the child. Ethical issues will also be taken into consideration when researching these families. Research Model This research proposal will follow the phenomenological model. This model attempts to understand people’s perceptions, perspectives and understandings of a particular situation (Leedy & Ormrod, 2005, p.157). Phenomenological research is as much in the hands of the participants as well as the researcher. This study, the researcher conducted interviews to gain an in depth details of the study pertaining to the children’s affects of being homeless. According to Dennis (2010) Since qualitative data consists of detailed descriptions of situations, people, interactions, or observations participants are expected to share their thoughts, beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes that correspond with specific situations (p 41). Research Strategy The main focus of this proposal research is to gain information pertaining to the homeless children of the families and how this situation affects the child’s mental health as well as his or her behaviors. This question is important and qualitative research will be conducted to gain understanding and knowledge of this topic. The study will involve case studies as well as interviews. The type of case studies and interviews incorporated in the strategy process was from questions regarding the children and their well-being. Researchers who use “qualitative approach seeks to empower individual’s stories with the goal of understanding how they make meaning within their social world” (Hesse-Biber, 2010, p. 456). This researcher will attempt to provide an understanding of the effects children endure from experiencing homeless by interpreting qualitative studies from groups of families on this sensitive topic. Researching families can give a better insight into the effects of the children better than studying just single families. Sampling Design The samples for this research, which is incorporated from formerly homeless children and housed children. The samples include 388 former homeless children 55 months after shelter entry and 382 housed children, birth to 17 using mother-and –child reported health, mental health, community involvement, cognitive performance and education al records (Shinn, Schteingart, Williams, Carlin-Mathis, Bialo-Karagis, Becker-Klein, & Weitzman, 2008, p.790). The random sampling method will be utilized in this study and According to Hadley & Mitchell (1995) randomness underlies most, if not all, statistical hypothesis testing (p. 262) as well as “every member of the sampling pool has the same likelihood of being chosen results in equal probability (Hadley & Mitchell, 1995, p. 262). Measures This research proposal will be from a qualitative perspective. The analysis is from interviews and testing of the participants. The data , which was collected from the participants point of view includes mothers rated each child’s health, mothers completed the Child Behavior Checklist, Children’s reporting their stressors, the children’s results from the Stanford Binet Intelligence Scale, and interviews from voluntary actives in school or community involvement (Shinn, Schteingart, Williams, Carlin-Mathis, Bialo-Karagis, Becker-Klein & Weitzman, 2008, p. 794). The interviews was strictly simple questions with answers only yes and no. Younger children was shown photos of cartoons characters and asked “Are you like the character or do you think about things like the character (Shinn, Schteingart, Williams, Carlin-Mathis, Bialo-Karagis, Becker-Klein & Weitzman, 2008 p. 794). Data collection The data collected consists of interviews from homeless families as well as case studies in New York City within four emergency shelters. For the period of this study interviews was conducted with families who was housed and who experienced homeless. The research took into consideration the cultural differences when questions were asked. The researcher took into consideration of a language barrier, which the questions were asked in the language the families spoke. Information gathered from this study will provide evidence on the homeless families with children and their mental health as well as their behavior changes. The participants were divided into groups; parents were coded as wave 1 and the children were coded as wave 2. Data Analysis The research was performed by steps. The two groups were given a distinctive code to represent the group. The researcher analyzed the data from notes, observation, and interviews from parents as well as the children. The data was sorted through and compared in order to identify similar factors of both waves. Each group was studied at different times in order to get the perspective from the participant’s point of view. The data was re-examined to find evidence of mental health as well as behavioral issues of the homeless children. Some participant’s results were separated in order to find the ratio or percentage of the children having issues to children not having issues. “One critical step in a content analysis is to tabulate the frequency of each characteristic found in the material or subject being studied” (Leedy & Ormrod, 2005, p. 161). Limitation of Methodology Limitations are an issue when researching homeless families with children. When conducting a research study the participants are willing to participate unfortunately homeless families can find housing at any given moment. Qualitative approach is time consuming as well as costly and many researchers choose not to use just this approach but incorporate other methods into the study as well. Conducting research through surveys and interview can also be a problem reason being, participants may not always be truthful when being asked personal question or just questions in general. This issue can cause weakness in the findings of the study. Internal Validity Internal validity of a research studies “is the extent to which its design and the data it yields allow the researcher to draw accurate conclusions about the cause and effect and other relationships within the data” (Leedy & Ormrod, 2005, p. 101). The researcher on the study of homeless families with children established internal validity by persistent observation of the participants. The research consists of several sources, which data will be collected. External Validity External validity of a research studies “is the extent to which its results apply to situations beyond the study itself” (Leedy & Ormrod, 2005, p. 103). The researcher‘s responsibility is to provide sufficient detail for others to make a judgment or conclusion. To gain a perspective of the external validity of the homeless families with children, the researcher gave a detailed description of the families living conditions such as living in shelters, or on the streets, financial situation as well as other information which was creditable for this study. Predictions of Results The researcher’s purpose was to gain an understanding and knowledge from a parent’s perspective regarding their children’s mental health as well as their behavioral problems. The researcher wants to find common risk factors which influence a child’s well-being. Finding similarities from the participants is also a goal of the research. The purpose of the researcher is to gain enough information, which can be beneficial to professionals to provide necessary programs to help the homeless families with children. Therefore the evidence which will be uncovered and proven can give insight to many professional to continue researching this population to gain a better understanding this population is growing and will continue without better options for the families. Ethical Issues Across The United States many families with children experience homeless on any given day. The researcher is interested in understanding the effects this situation causes children’s mental health as well as if the situation changes the children’s behaviors. “Research conducted with vulnerable subject groups, such as homeless and impoverished populations, demands heightened attention to ensuring that the rights of participation are protected” (Koller, Raffaelli, & Carlo, 2012, p.56). Ethical issues must be taken into consideration when researching human subject’s issues such as; Protection from harm: Minimal-risk is one concept used to evaluate risks in research. “Researchers and ethics committees ask whether the physical or psychological risk of participating in a research project is acceptable, given the risks individuals typically encounter in daily life (Koller, Raffaelli, & Carlo 2012, p. 61). Therefore, “if the research participation poses no more risk than everyday life, then it is deemed to be acceptable” (Koller, Raffaelli, & Carlo 2012, p. 61). Informed Consent: Participants have the right to enter into a research study however the researcher needs an informed consent from the participants. “According to standard legal and ethical guidelines, researchers must obtain consent either written or verbal from parents or guardian for child and adolescents research participation” (Koller, Raffaeilli, & Carlo, 2012, p. 60). Confidentiality: Researcher’s need to respect the rights of the participant, respect their dignity, privacy, and self-determination of the participants in the study. Researchers “are aware that special safe guards may be necessary to protect the rights and welfare of the participants whose vulnerabilities impair decision-making” (American Psychological Association, 2010, p. 3). Integrity: Researchers need to promote accuracy, honesty and truthfulness when conducting a research study. Many participants have trust issues and being honest from the start provides a better outcome. Summary The topic of homeless families with children is an enormous problem. This paper provides information from a qualitative approach, which states these children experience long-term effects of mental issues as well as behavioral problems. Issues taken into consideration when studying this population, was internal and external valibility as well as ethical issues. The prediction from this study shows the need for better programs, services, and housing for this sensitive population. Researching this population gives professionals an understanding of the importance of children’s mental well-being as well as acceptable behaviors. This research can provide perspectives on intervention services for these families. Society should concern themselves for the homeless not only the children but the families as a whole. This issue is growing and with increasing hardship of this country many more families will experience homelessness. References American Psychological Association (2010): Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. Retrieved May 17, 2013 from: http://www.apa.org/ethics/code/index.aspx Averitt, S. S. (2003); Homelessness Is Not a Choice; The Phight of Homeless Women with Preschool Children Living in Temporary Shelters Journal of Family Nursing 9:79 Retrieved May 26, 2013 from http://jfn.sagepub.com/content/9/1/79 Bassuk, E. L. 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(2008); Long-term Associations of Homeless with Children’s Well-being; American Behavioral Scientist 51:789 Retrieved May 18, 2013 from: http://abs.sagepub.com/content/51/6/89 Swick, K. J. (2010); Responding to the Voices of Homeless Preschool Children and Their Families; Early Childhood Education 38:299-304 Retrieved May 1, 2013 from: http://search.proquest.com.library.capella.edu/psychology/docview/807577613 Wade, B. P. (2009); The Effectiveness of the Advocacy and Benefits Homeless Programs In Reducing Homelessness or At Risk For Homelessness, Retrieved May 9, 2013 from: http://search.proquest.com.library.capella.edu/docview/305164304 : Homeless 26