Homeless Service Programs. A Study of its Effectiveness in Alleviating Homelessness in the City of Springfield, MA (PDF)

This research project studied the broad subject of homelessness from a distinctive perspective. Homeless individuals have different needs, and different human services organizations offer many homeless service programs to individuals, from temporary shelter to transitional housing, and training and health programs among others. Nonetheless, the most important service needed for homeless individuals should be the one that leads to permanent housing solutions. However, findings from this research study suggested that not all homeless service programs are as effective in alleviating homelessness in the community, as most have been led to believe in the past. Therefore, the required question had to be, how effective are homeless service programs in alleviating homelessness in the City of Springfield MA? Finding an answer to that question was the primary reason for this research. This research study sought to know more about the effectiveness of two distinctive service programs, which although similar in services offered, both operate with completely different funding and visions on how to solve the homelessness problem in the community. Perhaps, this study may someday contribute to further research efforts on the subject, help develop or create more effective programs, or even helps alleviate the growing homeless problem in the community. Nevertheless, as for any other research project, there are limitations to this study. This research is limited to the study of two different homeless service programs in the City of Springfield, Massachusetts. Moreover, program effectiveness was solely measured on the programs abilities to provide permanent housing options to its clients in direct relation to their resources for the purpose to alleviate the problem in the community. A brief roadmap for this master's thesis research project starts with the introduction to the subject, followed by the review of the existing relevant literature. The community assessment begins with the community description and the research and gathering of data from stakeholders directly and indirectly affected by the problem. Lastly, the action plan, which details a plan of action based on the conclusion of the findings of all the information and data gathered.