Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Dr. Sclinda Janssen

Abstract

Introduction: After a period of decline in homelessness, a startling trend reversal occurred between 2023 and 2024; there was a 39% increase in families experiencing homelessness in the United States (de Sousa & Henry, 2024). Rural homelessness is less visible and often looks different from urban homelessness, which presents challenges that require a different approach (Brott et al., 2019). Individuals experiencing homelessness have challenges in every area of occupation and could benefit from novel strategies and resources. Challenges include parenting, accessing medical care, obtaining permanent housing, community mobility, and meaningful routine development (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2020; Brott et al., 2019; Kneck et al., 2021; Shinn et al., 2015).

Problem: Families experiencing homelessness have challenges in every area of occupation. In addition, the added stress of being in an unfamiliar setting with different policies and rules make family life difficult while utilizing emergency shelters (Shinn et al., 2015). Families also report feeling ashamed, unwanted, and stigmatized while experiencing a period of being unhoused (Buck-McFadyen, 2022; Kneck et al., 2021). This stigma may disrupt families from pursuing necessary resources in their community.

Methodology: A needs assessment was completed via literature review to discover trends in rural homelessness and to gather an understanding of current best practices with unhoused populations. Also, mentoring meetings with the founder of a rural emergency shelter were held to obtain insight into the guests’ needs and backgrounds. The ecology of human performance (Dunn, 2017) was used to organize information, frame the complex challenges that rural families face, and drive development of the product for this scholarly project.

Results: The product of this scholarly project is a model-driven, evidence-based orientation and resource packet that is catered to the needs of families to assist them in navigating the challenges of being unhoused in a rural, Midwest town. Staff, case managers, and volunteers at an emergency shelter can use this resource packet with family residents to help them engage in needed occupations that support healthy transitions from homelessness to more permanent housing.

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