1. BREAKING THE CYCLE OF HOMELESSNESS
Research Snapshot: Social Connectedness and Wellbeing
Researchers from the University of Queensland partnered with The Salvation Army (TSA) to examine social belonging, connectedness, and wellbeing in TSA homeless accommodation, among both service users and service staff.
Two studies were conducted with residents of TSA homeless services – one in SE Queensland and another in services in QLD, NSW and Victoria. The research team at UQ surveyed participants about their experiences at the service, and followed up with them periodically after leaving the service over the following 12 months.
CLIENT PERSPECTIVES
AND OUTCOMES
People who felt a sense of belonging had greater uptake of services and felt more supported
What percentage of people reported improvements after being in the TSA homeless service?
Based on reports taken at 3 months
61% reported improved mental health
[46% at 6 months]
The ‘HOMELESS’ label: What happens when you call yourself homeless?
49% reported improved physical health
[37% at 6 months]
Participants who accepted the homeless label (54%) reported lower mood and resilience, reduced well-being, and higher levels of perceived discrimination than
people who rejected
the label.
82% reported improved life in general
[62% at 6 months]
People who rejected the homeless label reported better relationships with caseworkers and identified more with staff.
57% were in stable or transitional housing
[49% at 6 months]
Unlocking improvements: Creating a feeling of belonging
Improvements were predicted by social support and feeling a sense of belonging while at the service
74% of people reported positive general experiences at the TSA service. People who had positive general experiences at the service perceived more opportunities and felt a stronger sense
of belonging at the service. Negative
experiences resulted in people perceiving
less opportunities and a lowered sense
of belonging.

2. BREAKING THE CYCLE OF HOMELESSNESS
SERVICE WORKERS PERSPECTIVES
AND OUTCOMES
One study was conducted with frontline service workers of TSA homeless services in SE Queensland and across Australia.
We surveyed participants about their experiences and perceptions.
STUDY 1 AND 2 : CLIENTS
Number of Participants:
Study 1: 119
Study 2: 301
Workers who felt (a) more identified with the service and TSA, and (b) and more supported in their jobs, reported positive well-being outcomes: lower burnout and higher job satisfaction.
Gender:
Study 1: 47% males
Study 2: 66% males
Parental Status:
Study 1: 69% have children
Study 2: 57% have children
Highest level of education:
job satisfaction
Study 1: 53% up to Yr 10
Study 2: 37% up to Yr 10
Support
Managers
Colleagues
Services
Workplace Identification
Main Income Source:
Study 1: 81% solely welfare
Study 2: 83% solely welfare
History of homelessness:
Study 1: 36% chronically homeless
burnout
Study 3: Service Workers
Number of Participants: 60
RESEARCH IMPLICATIONS
Wellbeing for Clients increases when we:
Foster a sense of belonging and connectedness
Enable people to join positive meaningful groups within the service and community
Recognise people as people, not as a “homeless person”
Focus on the person as an individual and how they see themselves
Foster positive experiences at the service in general and recognise the importance of case-worker relationships
Gender:
70% females
Length in homeless sector: 47% less than 3 years
Want to know more?
Prof. Jolanda Jetten
or Ms. Zoe Walters
Wellbeing for Staff increases when we:
Provide a supportive organisational climate for workers
Cultivate belonging and meaning for workers