Needs Assessment

Assets and needs of the homeless population in the United States are determined through conducting a needs assessment. Doing this allows occupational therapists to identify gaps between the current condition and the desired condition and address occupational performance issues in a number of ways.

Assets

Organizations that support individuals experiencing homelessness
Policies supporting homelessness
Ability to be self-reliant
Adapt to changing circumstances and environments
Safety awareness
Creative problem solving
Presence of a community among the homeless population

Needs

Access to organizations that assist individuals experiencing homelessness
- Transportation, location, technology, space constraints
Affordable housing
Access to physical and mental healthcare
Access to employment opportunities
Access to the internet
Potential learned helplessness
Family and single parent support
Advocacy through education and the creation policies
Education for the general public to decrease stereotypes

Occupational Performance Issues (OPIs)

Lack of access to proper facilities leads to difficulty completing activities of daily living (ADLs) such as showering, toileting, dressing, personal hygiene, and grooming
Limited opportunities to provide a safe and enriching environment for child development leads to difficulty maintaining family relationships and proper child rearing
Inability to obtain and establish a home due to limited affordable housing and resources
Although organizations that provide meals exist, lack of personal resources and facilities inhibit autonomy in meal preparation
Lack of resources can result in difficulty accessing bussing, and other modes of transportation related to driving and community management
Limited resources and supports impacts physical, social, and emotional health promotion and maintenance. As it relates to communication with health care providers, physical activity and nutrition management and health and wellness routines
Lack of resources supporting the process of applying for a job, such as, creating a resume, interview skills, appropriate attire, hygiene, lack of address and phone, leads to difficulty obtaining employment
Limited opportunities for play in children to support healthy development
Shortage of adequate permanent sleeping environment impacts the ability to obtain restorative sleep/rest to support overall health, wellness and quality of life

Sociopolitical Considerations

Emergency Food and Shelter Program, 1983

Federal funds were allocated to assist with the provision of food and shelter. Funds have been allocated each year since the program's inception. (Clifford et al., 2019)

Needs Assessment

Lack of access to proper facilities leads to difficulty completing activities of daily living (ADLs) such as showering, toileting, dressing, personal hygiene, and grooming

Limited opportunities to provide a safe and enriching environment for child development leads to difficulty maintaining family relationships and proper child rearing

Inability to obtain and establish a home due to limited affordable housing and resources

Although organizations that provide meals exist, lack of personal resources and facilities inhibit autonomy in meal preparation

Lack of resources can result in difficulty accessing bussing, and other modes of transportation related to driving and community management

Limited resources and supports impacts physical, social, and emotional health promotion and maintenance. As it relates to communication with health care providers, physical activity and nutrition management and health and wellness routines

Lack of resources supporting the process of applying for a job, such as, creating a resume, interview skills, appropriate attire, hygiene, lack of address and phone, leads to difficulty obtaining employment

Limited opportunities for play in children to support healthy development

Shortage of adequate permanent sleeping environment impacts the ability to obtain restorative sleep/rest to support overall health, wellness and quality of life