This site is dedicated to understanding and supporting the needs of staff who work in homelessness services. We have come to deeply appreciate, through many years of research, the complex and challenging responsibilities that are part of the fabric of the work lives of staff serving persons experiencing homelessness. This site offers a space to document these challenges, highlight training, support and benefit needs of staff, and advocate for their inclusion as critical frontline workers who routinely encounter and experience trauma as part of their work lives.
Key Results from Research
- Over 51% of all participants report symptoms of traumatic stress indicative of a diagnosis of PTSD
- Significant burnout is reported by less that 25% of all participants.
- The majority report substantial levels of compassion satisfaction.
Main lesson: Traumatic stress, as inordinately high levels is of greater concern than burnout.
Other findings:
- The majority of staff working in direct support positions are women.
- Ethnic diversity is found more often in the Greater Toronto area than in other locations
- Over 53% report two years of secondary education of other as the highest level achieved, which results in a marginally prepared workforce
- Over one quarter (26%) of staff have personal experiences of homelessness
Participants
574 persons in 29 different organizations completed a survey on their psychosocial needs during 2020-21.
42 key program administrators participated in semi-structured interviews focused on their understanding of staff stressors and needs.
Homelessness is most often not a choice, but an unfortunate consequence of a multitude of adversities: financial, physical, emotional, due to lack of resources and opportunities, complicated by structural inequalities and the pervasive lack of affordable housing in all areas of the country. Most persons in housing distress want a hand up, not a hand-out. Staff in agencies that help housing distressed people recognize the importance of providing safe shelter and support services.