Date of Award

2017

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Graduate Department of Clinical Psychology

First Advisor

Winston Seegobin, Psy.D.

Second Advisor

Mary Peterson, PhD, ABPP

Third Advisor

Mark McMinn, Ph.D., ABPP

Abstract

Research increasingly shows the widespread problem of homelessness in the United States. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Hope House, a transitional housing program, in satisfying the needs of the homeless women residents they are serving and to identify areas that may need to be improved. Participants included 67 women the Hope House served and 6 staff who work at the Hope House. A mixed-methods design was employed to explore experiences and common themes related to how the Hope House women residents view the services the Hope House provides. Quantitatively, participants endorsed an overwhelmingly positive experience and perception of experience at the Hope House with needs for improvement in the areas of health related groups, the other supportive services, and the children’s program. Furthermore, significant qualitative results were found with 6 significant qualitative themes for the Hope House residents and 4 significant qualitative themes for the Hope House staff. The women resident themes included (a) Suffering, (b) Supportive environment, (c) Goal-driven, (d) Positive self-change, (e) Faith, and (f) Areas of strength and areas for improvement. The staff resident themes included (a) Client-centered treatment, (b) Skills building, (c) Systemic barriers, and (d) Areas of strength and areas for improvement. The implications of this study may be used to impact the Hope House program, the women the Hope House serves, the staff that provide treatment, and the greater homeless community.

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