91泡芙

Canham, S. L., Richardson, L. R., Aaenson-Fletcher, J., Weldrick, R., & Walsh, C. A. (2025, October). Practices to reduce stigma and discrimination towards older transitional housing clients [paper presentation]. Canadian Association on Gerontology 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting, Montr茅al, QC, Canada.

Abstract

Objectives

Homelessness remains an enduring social issue, in part, due to the stigmatization and discrimination toward people experiencing homelessness. Despite the extant research on the topic, little is known about how stigmatization and discrimination may be enacted within transitional housing programs or among older people experiencing homelessness in these settings.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of qualitative interviews with providers and clients (n=15) of a transitional housing program in Western Canada.

Results

Participants described ways in which clients self-stigmatize and are treated poorly by others, as well as the consequences of the shame clients have. Also described were program practices that served to reduce stigmatization and discrimination toward people experiencing homelessness, including the use of a harm reduction approach, humanizing treatment, the provision of a stable address, and the use of arts-based and community building activities.

Discussion

Study findings offer several ways in which housing programs can implement policies that support older adults to reduce their self-stigma and community members to improve perceptions of people experiencing homelessness. Future research should explicitly study the mechanisms by which arts-based and community building activities shift perceptions of shame and negativity.