Date of Award
7-2015
Document Status
Open Access
Degree Type
Project
Degree Name
Occupational Therapy (M.S.)
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Scott Truskowski
Abstract
In this qualitative study, student researchers conducted one-on-one semi-structured interviews of individuals employed by a homeless shelter in West Michigan, posing questions related to the perceived need of occupation-based services for shelter recipients, and the efficacy of current services. Narratives were interpreted using thematic analysis, yielding themes related to the barriers faced by the shelter population, life skills of the shelter population, and services in place to provide for the needs of the shelter recipients. Authors concluded that shelter staff perceived a need for occupation-based services to engage the shelter population in meaningful occupations, particularly relating to leisure, education and self-care. Results may serve to guide future development of services for the homeless population.
ScholarWorks Citation
Ballard, Stephanie A.; Deveneau, Katie M.; and Hemlock, April D., "A Needs Assessment of Occupation Based Services in a West Michigan Homeless Shelter from a Staff Perspective" (2015). Community Based. 2.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/ot_community_based/2
