Economic integration of women who have experienced homelessness

This longitudinal study, conducted in Ottawa, Canada between October 2002 and October 2005, examined the economic integration of women who were homeless at the study's outset. Participants (N = 101) participated in two in-person interviews. A predictive model identifying factors related to becoming employed or engaged in education was developed from previous empirical research and tested. Having dependent children, having spent a greater proportion of time working, and having been housed for a longer period of time predicted the likelihood of becoming employed or engaged in education at the two-year follow-up. More adult work experience and employment at the initial interview were associated with a longer period of employment reported at follow- up. A lower level of education predicted engagement in full-time studies at follow-up. These findings suggest that housing, and employment and educational assistance, are essential to helping women who have experienced homelessness to become economically integrated into their communities; however, the results point to continuing financial hardship, even among women who succeed in obtaining employment.