Needs Assessment for a Comprehensive Reemployment Program Among Residents of a Work Rehabilitation Program for Individuals With Unstable or Lack of Housing.

Abstract

Individuals in transitional housing programs often have a goal of reaching stable employment, but the unique needs and barriers for achieving this warrants further study. A structured interview guide was administered orally and descriptive data analysis was done for this exploratory mixed-methods study. Commonly reported reemployment challenges included legal barriers and unmet transportation, housing, and financial needs. More than two-thirds of residents reported no place to live after the program regardless of if they had previous precarious housing. Emerging themes included challenges regarding sufficient time for the transition to being employed, fear of relapse, and lack of long-term goals and planning. Findings suggest that residential rehabilitation programs are an important resource. While these programs tend to focus on reemployment, their services could be enhanced by assessing individual needs and allowing for variation in reemployment preparation.