Down and Out: Support Services, Satisfaction, and the Impacts of Marginality Among Canadian Youth Experiencing Homelessness

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Authors

Lathangue, Sebastian

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University of Guelph

Abstract

This study used Canadian data from the 2015 “Leaving Home” national youth homelessness survey (n = 1103) to explore variance in support service satisfaction among the youth who used these services. Using OLS Regression, statistical analysis was carried out to determine if multiple marginalities (e.g., possessing more than one marginalizing identity) impact individual’s satisfaction with Canadian social services for homeless youth from the perspective of the youth who access them. Specifically, it explores the question are young people experiencing homelessness all served equally well by service providers? If they are not, do factors of marginality explain such variation? This project is unique in that not only have many Canadian-based studies on homelessness identity focused on adults, but these studies have also been qualitative or have used quantitative surveys with small groups of youth. Results indicate that possessing one or more marginalizing identity has some impact on social service satisfaction. Discussion and suggestions for future research, policy changes, and limitations are included.

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Keywords

homelessness, homeless, youth, LGBTQ2S+, LGBTQ, canada, community services, health, housing, service provision, service satisfaction, social services, shelters, mental health, food banks, housing, precariously housed, marginality, marginalities

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