Factors Contributing to Becoming Housed for Women who have Experienced Homelessness.

This longitudinal study examined physical integration, defined as becoming re-housed, of women who were homeless at the study's outset. Participants (N = 101) were recruited at homeless shelters in Ottawa and participated in two in-person interviews, approximately two years apart. A predictive model identifying factors associated with becoming rehoused and achieving housing stability was developed from previous empirical research and tested. Being accompanied by dependent children and having access to subsidized housing predicted being re-housed at follow-up. This research represents the first longitudinal study examining exits from homelessness in a sample of Canadian women. The findings suggest that providing financial resources is essential to helping women who have experienced homelessness to become physically integrated in their communities. In addition, it is suggested women who are unaccompanied by children would benefit from more intensive services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]