MOTHERS PERCEPTIONS OF FACTORS INFLUENCING THE RESTABILIZATION OF HOMELESS FAMILIES

Family homelessness has increased dramatically in the past decade, but little attention has been focused on the process by which homeless fa milies become restabilized. The author presents findings from a qualit ative study of the restabilization process. Four factors that affect t he process are discussed: children, personal resources, external resou rces, and socioeconomic context. The findings indicate the significant role shelter staff and other social service providers can play in ass isting mothers in both emotional and instrumental ways. Implications f or direct practice with homeless mothers and their families are discus sed as well as implications for policy and program development.