Rental Housing Needs and Barriers From the Perspective of Veterans With Disabilities. Issue 4 (4th July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Semeah, Luz Mairena; Ahrentzen, Sherry; Cowper-Ripley, Diane C.; Santos-Roman, Leslie M.; Beamish, Julia O.; Farley, Kristine
• Is Part Of: Housing policy debate. Volume 29:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 542
• Page End: 558
• Publication Date: 2019-07-04
• Subjects: Rental housing -- Veterans with disabilities -- housing needs -- reintegration -- housing affordability -- neighborhood -- policy and quality -- housing accessibility; Housing policy -- United States -- Periodicals; Housing -- United States -- Finance -- Periodicals; Housing policy; Public housing -- Finance; United States; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.58097305
• DOI: 10.1080/10511482.2018.1543203
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1051-1482

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Housing is considered a social determinant of health, with poor housing conditions being associated with poor health. Veterans with disabilities are more likely to experience a housing crisis because of combat experiences and employment instability. We identified facilitators and barriers to finding and maintaining rental housing. We sought to understand the housing needs of Veterans with military-related disabilities using the biopsychoecological model (BEM) as an organizing framework. Our sample consisted of 39 Veterans who were renters. This qualitative descriptive study used an online or paper questionnaire to capture data on the Veterans' experiences in searching for rental housing. Thematic analysis of responses resulted in the following themes based on the BEM: lack of quality housing, quality of the neighborhood, communication, policy, and reintegration. Findings provide insights that can assist agencies in tailoring services to Veterans to help them find quality homes that are accessible, affordable, and in safe and supportive communities.