Date of Award

Fall 12-18-2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Organizational Leadership

First Advisor

Carlos Guzman

Second Advisor

Lisa Simon

Third Advisor

Jonathan Greenberg

Abstract

Purpose: This qualitative phenomenological study aims to describe the perceptions of homeless service providers in Thurston County, Washington State, and describe barriers to the homeless seeking assistance. This study interviewed ten Thurston County service providers about their perception of the barriers preventing the unsheltered homeless from using available services. Identifying barriers and developing strategies to reduce or remove them is expected to reduce or eliminate homelessness.

Methodology: This qualitative phenomenological study describes the homeless service providers' perceptions of the homeless and the barriers to the homeless seeking assistance. The researcher conducted interviews with a sample of ten service providers to explore information on what barriers exist. The research question was, "What are the perceptions of the homeless service providers and what barriers exist to the homeless seeking assistance?" A purposeful sample of knowledgeable service providers in Washington was asked to answer five questions voluntarily. Written questions and interview participants' answers were used to analyze and determine common themes for homeless barriers.

Findings: Examination of qualitative data from the ten service providers participating in interviews and literature of this study revealed seven themes that identified barriers for the homeless when seeking assistance from existing services.

Conclusion: This study reveals and discusses homeless barriers experienced by the unsheltered homeless and potential ways to improve homeless services. Three of the seven themes identified the greatest impacting barriers for reduction or removal.

Recommendations: The researcher recommends the following to service providers to reduce or remove unsheltered homeless barriers. It is vital to understand the differences and commonalities between service providers and their standard operating procedures. Identifying best practices in the most successful services and disseminating them throughout the counties would also assist in removing barriers. Improving the interaction and quality of the experiences of the homeless could lead to the sharing of those positive interactions among their peers. Standardization and training of service providers and staff will be needed to reduce barriers.

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