Running head: GENDER AND HOMELESSNESS

Homelessness: How Gender Affects the Needs for Social Services

Crescent Munsen
Western Washington University

Running head: GENDER AND HOMELESSNESS

The homeless population in the US every year is around 3.5 million (Finfgeld-Connett,
2010). The National Coalition for the Homeless explain that, lack of housing, poverty,
employment, lack of public assistance, health care resources, domestic violence, mental illness,
and addiction, are all factors that contribute to homelessness (Homeless in America, n.d.).
According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, homelessness is,
According to the Stewart B. McKinney Act, 42 U.S.C. 11301, et seq. (1994), a person
is considered homeless who "lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate night-time residence;
and... has a primary night time residency that is: (A) a supervised publicly or privately
operated shelter designed to provide temporary living accommodations... (B) An
institution that provides a temporary residence for individuals intended to be
institutionalized, or (C) a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a

Running head: GENDER AND HOMELESSNESS

regular sleeping accommodation for human beings." The term homeless individual
does not include any individual imprisoned or otherwise detained pursuant to an Act of
Congress or a state law." 42 U.S.C. 11302(c)
There are many definitions of homelessness; however, many articles on the issue describe a
homeless individual as someone who meets one of these conditions. Studies have given insight
into what factors contribute to individuals becoming homeless, as well as what types of
preventions they may need. While there are many factors regarding the implementation of
services that help the homeless, one to consider is gender. One study that looked at gender,
conducted research by analyzing a large communitys social service agencies, in order to
determine what services were being used or requested by a homeless population. It found that,
women and men experience homelessness somewhat differently. Women were more likely to
become homeless because of eviction and domestic violence, whereas men were more likely to
become homeless as a result of unemployment alcohol abuse, and jail release (Hagen, 1986). If
homelessness is experienced differently according to gender then the social services provided
would be more effective by understanding and accommodating different needs. They could do
this by the social service agencies geographic locations reflecting the majority gender that make
up the homeless population in that region.

The National Coalition for the Homeless state that urban areas have a more concentrated
homeless population. They go on to explain that this does not mean that rural areas are less at
risk, but rather, they use data provided by social services to determine the amount of people
homeless. This way of determining who are homeless can lead to an under representation of the
populations that may not get counted for due to limited availability to services. The article also

Running head: GENDER AND HOMELESSNESS

states that the homeless populations in rural areas tend to be female, (Homeless in America,
n.d.). Findings such as this can allow for services to be implemented in places that reflect some
of the needs that differ between homeless men and women. For example, if homeless men are
more susceptible to alcohol abuse than women, it would make sense to have more alcohol
treatment centers available to areas with larger populations of homeless men. In contrast, if
homeless woman have an increased risk for domestic violence and abuse, then interventions
specific to these risks should be implemented accordingly.
Women and Homelessness
According to an article that looked at men and women in homeless shelters, there are
several factors that contribute to homelessness among women. They include; violence and abuse,
mental illness, inadequate health care, inadequate childcare, lack of social support, limited
education, and work experience (Grimm & Maldonado, 1995). What this can mean for
prevention intervention is that, places that have higher rates of homeless women should be
considering more interventions that match their needs.
Single women in the U.S. account for 17% of the homeless population while families
with children make up 30% of it (Finfgeld-Connett, 2010). This adds to the amount of services
not only women may better benefit from, but also their children. According to Finfgeld-Connett
(2010), homeless women, and their children suffer from higher than normal rates of physical
and mental health problems (p. 461). This means that in places with high numbers of homeless
women, additional services should be provided for their children.
Services that have shown to be effective have agencies that seek to build empowerment
in the individual. They also promote the womens ability to maintain meaningful relationships.
Effective services include, support groups, childcare support, peer sharing, as well as shared

Running head: GENDER AND HOMELESSNESS

housing. (Finfgeld-Connett, 2010).

Mental illness also contributes to womens risk for homelessness. In a survey conducted,
data collected from 100 homeless people showed that there was a correlation between gender and
what illness symptoms are reported, as well their perceptions of their symptoms. (Ritchey, 1991).
Ritcheys study found that:
Focusing on gender differences is essential to understanding morbidity, not only because
biological risks differ between the sexes but also gender roles lead men and women to
acquire different risks, to perceive health differently, to display differential illness
behavior, and to report symptoms differently
This is important because it shows how women experience homelessness differently. If
homelessness increases health risks, and women perceive health differently, interventions
amongst men and women need to be implanted differently as well.
Men and Homelessness
Men outrank women in the total US homeless population. In 2008, they made up 74% of
the people in shelters (Amato & MacDonald, 2011). According to Amato and MacDonald, (2011),
risk factors that contribute to male homelessness include being, susceptible to alcohol and drug
abuse, mental illness, suicide, violent and property crime, unemployment, and discrimination.
Because these risk factors are more prevalent amongst homeless men, services such as treatment
and rehabilitation, counseling, career centers and skill workshops should be in areas with higher
numbers of homeless men. Since men are shown to be affected differently by risk factors than
women, the services that surrounded the largely male homeless population were dedicated to
domestic violence and abuse may be less effective in assisting their needs.
Related research provides insight into what risk factors men face, which then can provide a better

Running head: GENDER AND HOMELESSNESS

understanding of exactly what services they would benefit from. One study done was aimed to
describe how the homeless were using helping agencies services. The research was conducted by
gathering data from 146 homeless individuals interviews. Of those interviewed, 89% were male.
The study showed that 54% reported substance abuse and 46% had applied for entitlements.
(Pollio, 1997). This study supports the claims made earlier that, men are susceptible to substance
abuse. This study also shows that only half of those interviewed applied for entitlements to
receive services. Pulling from other research, it provided 3 main profiles that homeless men tend
to fall under. These profiles are the young transient mentally ill, the transient substance abuser,
and the economic relocator (Pollio, 1997). Again, this study refers to homeless men being at risk
for mental illness and substance abuse. The economic relocator refers to a homeless man who
travels around I seek of employment opportunity.
Research Proposal
Data show that men and women can be differently affected by social risks. These risks are
associated factors to their homelessness. For example, men are more likely to attribute
unemployment, substance abuse, and mental illness as being risk factors, whereas women report
higher levels of domestic violence and abuse. Because of these differing factors my question for
research is, do the risk factors associated with homeless men and women lead them to use
different types of social services? In order to plan for effective interventions, we should analyze
the social services currently being used by the homeless men and women in Whatcom County.
Information will be collected through survey questions. The data will determine where in the
county the homeless reside, what services they are currently using, and what services they are in
need of. By conducting this research, patterns may reveal that homeless men and women reside
in different areas of a county. It will also show that there is a higher need and use of social

Running head: GENDER AND HOMELESSNESS

services dependent of gender. Once this is done, strategic planning can began. Strategic planning
would increase the services effectiveness by attracting clients most likely to use these resources.
Not only would this benefit the men and women who suffer from homelessness, but service
agencies may also benefit by more effectively distributing their budget to areas that are most in
need.
Method
Sample
The population that this study will generalize its findings from are homeless adults, male
and female, who reside in Whatcom County. The sampling frame will be adults, male and
female, ranging 18 and older, who are currently using social service agencies in Whatcom
County. A cluster sample will be conducted through its location. The services that it will use will
be through the developmental disabilities, housing, behavioral health, substance abuse, victim
impact, and veteran program agencies in the county. Ten males and females from each agency
will randomly selected to take the survey. The study of this sample will be representative of adult
male and females who are homeless and using social services in Whatcom County.
Design
This study is a survey analysis of where homeless adult men and women in Whatcom
County live geographically, and the social services they use as well as are in need of. It will
have 6 survey groups from social services agencies in the county. The independent variable will
be the homeless adults surveyed in the selection of social service agencies in the county. The
dependent variable will be from the answers on each survey, as it will change due to the majority
of gender that uses each type of service. This is a qualitative study that the researcher will
generalize results by uncovering trends seen by homeless adult men and women and their use of

Running head: GENDER AND HOMELESSNESS

social services. It will use quantitative research to find patterns by measuring the number of each
homeless gender that live in a particular area of Whatcom County, as well as the specific services
accessed. The end result of the study will not provide conclusive evidence that homeless men
and women require different social services but rather, will reveal trends and patterns of the
services used by men and women who are homeless.
Materials
The participants will have an empty room to complete their survey. A researcher will be
available to answer any questions the participants might have. The researcher will also be able to
write the answer for the participants if they are unable to do so (with the participants consent).
No time limit will be set but if the participant is unable to complete the survey within a
reasonable time, the researcher may obtain the survey incomplete. In the case of an incomplete
survey, the research will randomly select another participant of the same gender and location to
complete the survey.
Procedure
From each of the 6 social service agencies in Whatcom County, ten men and women will
be randomly selected to take the survey. The 60 males and 60 females will then be studied on
their gender, geographic location, and social services accessed.
The participants will be told that they are contributing to data that will help in the
understanding of social services role in the homeless population. The participants will also be
told that data collected from the surveys they fill out will provide data regarding how their
gender and geographic location correlate with the social services they use or are in current need
of. The survey will be comprised of 4 questions.
1. What gender do you associate yourself with?
2. On any given night, where is the geographic location that you are most likely to sleep

Running head: GENDER AND HOMELESSNESS

at?
3. What social service agencies have you accessed in Whatcom County?
4. What services do you wish to access but have not?
5. Why do you feel you have not accessed the services you need?
Results
Once the full study of each group is complete, the researcher will analyze the surveys and
develop a list of themes relevant to the research. Quantitative data will be established by
quantifying the areas that the homeless population reside according to gender. It will also
quantify the services used according to gender. Then using qualitative research, patterns of social
services used by male and women homeless in Whatcom County will be indicated by the
participants answers. Conclusions can then be drawn by analyzing the services needed but not
accessed according to gender. At the end of the analysis, conclusion can be drawn regarding the
services accessed by homeless males and females in Whatcom County. Furthermore, conclusions
can be drawn from patterns that arise according to homeless gender and geographic living area.
Limitations
One weakness from using this sample is that it does not account for the homeless
population that does not use any type of social service. The sample group may also be relatively
small compared to the entire homeless population in Whatcom County. Through interviews,
researchers may be able to find alternate locations with homeless populations, allowing for a
more diverse and larger sample size. Another weakness this sample has is that it does not take
into account whether or not one gender is more likely to seek out social services. For example, if
women are statistically more likely to access social services, data showing that females require
domestic abuse resources more, may be inaccurate. It may be that homeless men are require
these services but are not accessing them.
There are many weakness for using a survey method for research on the homeless

Running head: GENDER AND HOMELESSNESS

10

population. One is that ethical issues regarding consent may be compromised. When substance
abuse and mental illness are research, consent may be hard to fully obtain. Another weakness
may that because of this sensitive population, some participants may be differently abled. This
could affect their ability to read the survey, fill out their answers, as well as fully understand the
meaning of the questions. Also, participants must be willing to admit that they are homeless and
answer honestly to the best of their ability. This may deter some homeless adults due to wanting
to protect their identity and confidentiality.
Significance
Despite the limitations of this study, it has the potential to provide data that can
contribute to the effectiveness of the social services in Whatcom County. By identifying patterns
of gender and geographic location, research can determine where the majority of males and
female homeless reside. From this information, data regarding the services males and females are
more likely to access or need, can help social services more effectively plan when implementing
agencies for interventions.

References

Running head: GENDER AND HOMELESSNESS

11

Rukmana, D. (2010). Gender Differences in the Residential Origins of the Homeless:

Identification of Areas with High Risk of Homelessness. Planning Practice & Research, 25(1),
95-116. doi:10.1080/02697451003625422

Amato, F., & MacDonald, J. (2011). Examining Risk Factors for Homeless Men: Gender Role
Conflict, Help-Seeking Behaviors, Substance Abuse and Violence. Journal Of Men's
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Furnham, A. (1996). Attributions for the Increase in Urban Homelessness. Journal Of Social
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Hagen, J. L. (1987). Gender and Homelessness. Social Work, 32(4), 312-316.

Muoz, M., Crespo, M., & Prez-Santos, E. (2005). Homelessness Effects on Men's and
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Grimm, K., & Maldonado, J. C. (1995). No home of her own: Gender and homelessness. Women
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Geissler, L. J., & Bormann, C. A. (1995). Women, homelessness and substance

abuse. Psychology Of Women Quarterly, 19(1), 65.

Finfgeld-Connett, D. (2010). Becoming homeless, being homeless, and resolving homelessness

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12

among women. Issues In Mental Health Nursing, 31(7), 461-469.

doi:10.3109/01612840903586404

The National Coalition for the Homeless - National Coalition for the Homeless. (n.d.). National
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Pollio, D. (1997). The relationship between transience and current life situation in the homeless
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Ritchey, F. J., la Gory, M., & Mullis, J. (1991). Gender Differences in Health Risks and Physical
Symptoms Among the Homeless.Journal Of Health & Social Behavior, 32(1), 33-48.