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SERVICE CONTENT AS A DETERMINANT OF HOMELESS ADULTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF PROGRAM EFFICACY
Author(s) -
Sosin Michael,
George Christine,
Grossman Susan
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of community psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.585
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1520-6629
pISSN - 0090-4392
DOI - 10.1002/jcop.20510
Subject(s) - receipt , referral , residence , psychology , service (business) , perception , nursing , applied psychology , medical education , clinical psychology , medicine , business , marketing , demographic economics , accounting , neuroscience , economics
This work analyzes the relationship between the services clients receive in treatment programs and client ratings of program efficacy. It relies on data from a random sample of clients served by Chicago's homelessness system (N = 554). Regressions utilizing that data suggest that ratings of program efficacy are positively predicted by program ambiance, the ambiance of referral arrangements, residence in programs providing housing, and receipt of employment services. The measures of ambiance are predicted by receipt of professional services and help in locating housing. Receipt of advocacy services does not predict ratings of program efficacy nor ambiance; receipt of tangible services is negatively related to ratings of program efficacy. Results suggest that clients rate highly programs that have a positive ambiance or that provide services that clients view as immediately helpful for solving long‐term needs. Clients thereby discount services known to contribute to the amelioration of homelessness.