Abstract

Housing-led interventions have become recognized as a best practice for addressing homelessness among adults, yet whether and how they apply to transition-age youth (TAY) is less clear. The purpose of the present study is to expand on a burgeoning literature that has provided marginalized TAY an opportunity to voice their perspectives on housing-led program design. The goal of the study it to build on the existing literature that has predominantly used individual qualitative interviewing by using a focus group methodology in which group interaction can generate data and insights that may not emerge in individual interviews. Focus groups (n = 4) were conducted with 18 youth. Thematic analysis of focus group transcripts was conducted using independent and co-coding procedures. Three overarching and interrelated themes emerged from the focus groups: (a) personal responsibility and deservedness, (b) rising and falling together, and (c) needing individualized support. These findings suggest that TAY preferences for housing and services are not necessarily consistent with the homeless adult population and that youth may be looking for a more supportive housing environment.