The SHIFT (Service Housing Interventions for Families in Transition) Longitudinal Study examined long-term outcomes for families entering shelters, transitional housing programs, and permanent supportive housing programs over a 30-month period. Mothers were interviewed three times about housing, employment, health and mental health, substance use, trauma, receipt of services and public benefits, and child functioning. Major findings include:
- Ongoing residential instability
- Significant traumatic experiences
- Major depression among mothers
- Physical and emotional challenges among children
Findings indicate that an effective response to family homelessness should include:
- Housing First Case management to address immediate needs
- Comprehensive assessments to target individual services
- Trauma-informed care
- Parenting supports and skills training
- Mental health services
- Child-centered services and programs to support healthy development
Publication Date:
2013