WHAT ARE THE NEEDS OF PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING RESIDENTS? A SURVEY OF CASE MANAGERS IN TARRANT COUNTY

This research served as a pilot study to help us develop a program for homeless persons in Tarrant County to improve their quality of life. Purpose (a): Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) is used as a method of reducing homelessness and its associated costs. The insight of case managers is integral to determine factors that may facilitate or inhibit the health and quality of life of PSH residents in Tarrant County. Methods (b): An online survey was conducted with PSH case managers (n=24) to assess the percentage of PSH residents affected by various health and wellness domains, barriers to improving health, and potential motivational levers. Data was analyzed using SPSS. Results (c): Case Managers reported that clients were most affected by poor mental health (74%), poor social support (69%) physical health (64%) and substance abuse (46%). Case managers identified furniture, transportation, and food as their clients’ top needs. Case managers believed clients were somewhat motivated to work on improving social support, physical and mental health, and poor nutrition. Approximately 60% of case managers believed their clients were not at all or a little motivated to work on improving medication adherence and substance abuse issues. Conclusions (d): Findings will guide the development of the Interactive Community Health Assistance for Tenants (iCHAT), which aims to reduce alcohol and drug use, reduce symptoms of depression, and improve quality of life amongst PSH residents.