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Perceptions of Homelessness in Older Homeless Veterans, VA Homeless Program Staff Liaisons, and Housing Intervention Providers
- Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved
- Johns Hopkins University Press
- Volume 24, Number 2, May 2013
- pp. 487-498
- 10.1353/hpu.2013.0089
- Article
- Additional Information
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Purpose. To understand the needs and challenges encountered by older homeless veterans. Methods. We conducted six focus groups of older veterans, two focus groups, and one semi-structured interview of VA staff liaisons, and two focus groups and one semi-structured interview of housing intervention providers. Results. Major themes for older veterans: 1) negative homelessness experience; 2) benefits of the structured transitional housing program; 3) importance of peer outreach; and 4) need for age-tailored job placement programs. Major themes for VA staff liaison/housing intervention providers: 1) belief that the transitional housing program has made a positive change; 2) need for individualized criteria to address the unique needs of veterans; 3) distinct differences between older and younger homeless veterans; 4) outreach services; 5) permanent housing issues; and 6) coordination of services. Discussion. Compared with younger veterans, older veterans have less social support, greater employment and health challenges, and, perhaps greater motivation to change.