Out of 1,593,150 people who experience homelessness every year, about 605,397 comprise of women living in shelters. Homelessness among women is due to poverty, lack of jobs and fund assistance from the public. A study was conducted to investigate how women become homeless and how to resolve the issue of homelessness. The methodology used in the study was qualitative meta synthesis, which involved the qualitative analysis and synthesis of existing research reports.
Perceived competency refers to how an individual interprets his ability to make decisions, take action, and positively influence the life of another person. Women with low perceived competency believe that they cannot influence positive change, and their status is due to forces they cannot control such as the economy. Women with high perceived competency tend to despise the regulations and rules in a structured environment. They feel out of control and tend to be disruptive. They prioritize their freedom to follow their own rules to seeking help. Women with middle-level perceived competency understand and accept their status and are willing seek help to resolve their problems.
The factors that influence the perceived competency in a homeless woman include dysfunctional relationships, substance abuse and mental problems. Homeless women are likely to have grown in families with experiences of divorce, death or substance abuse. Homeless women with low perceived competency prefer to let others make decisions for them. They are able to fully adapt in highly controlled and structured environments. Women with high perceived competency view such settings as oppressive. Homeless women with experiences of abuse and neglect tend to mistrust the social services out to help them. In addition, they feel hopeless and unable to start a new life even under favorable conditions.
The differences in health problems, ethnicity, culture and domestic abuse, should be considered to offer maximum care to homeless women. Researchers also found out that the empowerment of homeless women with substance abuse acquire stable housing. When autonomy is carefully assessed, it can be applied to suit the needs of each woman.
Reference
Finfgeld-Connett, D., Bloom, T. L., & Johnson, D. (2012). Perceived Competency and Resolution of Homelessness Among Women with Substance Abuse Problems. New York: SAGE Publishers.
