Abstract
The current study provides guidance for developing programs and policies
that support students without residential stability. Given that this living arrangement
can increase both protection and risk, programs and services need to be carefully
designed to support residences struggling without disrupting those functioning
successfully. The experiences of the youth and families reinforce previous studies that have found that living doubled-up is part of the cycle of homelessness.
While Isaac’s family used this residential arrangement to move out of a welfare
hotel, the other families lived doubled-up to avoid seeking refuge in a homeless
shelter or a similarly unstable environment. All families lived on the brink of
economic and residential crisis. Reducing the size of the homeless population
requires assisting those individuals without residential stability to secure a home as
well as preventing additional individuals who may be struggling in semi-stable
environment. Unfortunately, families on the verge of economic crisis do not
always get the same level of attention or support as those already on the streets or in
shelters.