HOMELESSNESS IN FEMALE-HEADED FAMILIES - CHILDHOOD AND ADULT RISK ANDPROTECTIVE FACTORS

Objectives. To identify risk and protective factors for family homeles sness, a case-control study of homeless and low-income, never-homeless families, all female-headed, was conducted. Methods. Homeless mothers (n = 220) were enrolled from family shelters in Worcester, Mass. Low- income housed mothers receiving welfare (n = 216) formed the compariso n group. The women completed an interview covering socioeconomic, soci al support, victimization, mental health, substance use, and health do mains. Results. Childhood predictors of family homelessness included f oster care placement and respondent's mother's use of drugs. Independe nt risk factors in adulthood included minority status, recent move to Worcester, recent eviction, interpersonal conflict, frequent alcohol o r heroin use, and recent hospitalization for a mental health problem. Protective factors included being a primary tenant, receiving cash ass istance or a housing subsidy, graduating from high school, and having a larger social network. Conclusions. Factors that compromise an indiv idual's economic and social resources are associated with greater risk of losing one's home.