The National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) defines homeless as “[lacking] a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence” (Griner, 2006).

 

At the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), occupational therapists work with the “goal of helping veterans growing the functionality of activities of daily living” by “[meeting] veterans where they are” and addressing “developmental, mental, or physical trauma” (Sauer, 2018).

 

In the 1950s-1970s, most homeless people were single men. However, this has transitioned to mostly single women and children (Schultz-Khron, & Tyminski, 2018; Tryssenaar et al., 1999).

 

Possible reasons for homelessness: loss of income security, decreased work opportunities, decline in public assistance, domestic violence, lack of affordable housing, disability, discharge from correctional services, etc.

(Thomas et al., 2011; Griner, 2006).

 

Occupational therapists working with the homeless population address many occupations including activities of daily living, money management, employment and education, leisure activities, social interaction, and community mobility. In addition, mental health is addressed by working on coping skills, self-awareness, stress management, and role development. Interventions include educational programs and may take place with individuals or groups and are often in the community (Casteneda et al., 2013; Griner, 2006; Schultz-Khron & Tyminski, 2018; Thomas et al., 2011).

 

Occupational therapists can play a beneficial role with homeless populations due to the facilitation of engagement and support of occupational roles. Homeless populations are often faced with limited opportunities to engage in meaningful occupations and may benefit from a profession that considers both mental and physical contributors to wellbeing (Griner, 2006; Schultz-Khron & Tyminski, 2018; Thomas et al., 2011).

 

A study by Schultz-Krohn et al. (2018) showed that a six-week occupational therapy program with homeless parents led to “significant gains in self-identified work readiness skills”.

 

Researchers Tryssenaar et al. (1999) used the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) in a homeless shelter. Identified needs included employment, relationships, recreation, and housing.

 

“As occupational therapy personnel, we work to uphold a society in which all individuals have an equitable opportunity to achieve occupational engagement as an essential component of their life” (Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics, 2015). In order to do this, there must be a focus on addressing stigma, safety, low socioeconomic status, and lack of long-term housing (Casteneda et al., 2013).