A Program Assessment of an Interim Housing Initiative for Single-Males: A Qualitative Methodology

This qualitative program assessment research study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an emergency shelter/interim housing initiative by comparing goals to actual outcomes, identifying process improvements, and creating a program model. The study addressed the issue of the emergency shelter system's failure to transition homeless single-males to permanent housing. The population included all emergency shelters in Detroit, Michigan, with a sample of 10 participants selected through purposive sampling. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Results showed that emergency shelters were not seen as a pathway to permanent housing, with an overreliance on external systems. Specific methods, if implemented, could improve housing outcomes. Key conclusions and recommendations for leaders and practitioners included expanding service delivery, creating internal housing programs, reassessing program design, evaluating interventions for specific populations, providing quality case management, recognizing the role of case managers, and enforcing minimum engagement standards.