52 Simon Communities in Ireland Current systems of intervention and care were therefore considered by some to disempower women who may subsequently lack the confidence and life skills to live independently without support. Thus, service providers frequently noted the importance of preparing women for speedy exits from residential settings in order to maximise their chances of securing and maintaining stable housing following their departure from homeless services. “The longer people stay in residential care it becomes more ‘normal’ so the sooner they are out of it the better.” “It’s very much standing on your own two feet kind of thing. So we work hard at giving them women back their independence and giving them the skills and the confidence in themselves to get that move.” The data presented on service provider perspectives indicate a strong perceived intersection between the housing and other support needs of homeless women, highlighting the importance of co-ordinated, gender-sensitive, multi-agency responses to homelessness (including social care services, specialist physical and mental health care agencies and housing support). It is significant that many service providers talked spontaneously about the ‘trap’ created for women by prolonged stays in homeless services and that a considerable number highlighted the risk of ‘institutionalisation’ produced by a system that, in many cases, fosters dependence among women, thereby jeopardising their chances of accessing and maintaining independent housing. Conclusion The issues and themes arising from the case studies presented correspond closely with the ‘stories’ of the women documented in the previous chapter. For example, gender-based violence featured prominently in their narratives, as did the tendency for women to initially avoid service contact and to subsequently embark upon a ‘journey’ characterised by prolonged stays in emergency, medium- or long-term homeless accommodation. The multiple, complex needs of women who experience housing instability and homelessness are also strongly apparent. Significantly, all three of the women were acutely aware of the range of problems and challenges they faced but, equally, they were motivated to resolve these difficulties. Melissa’s story highlights the negative impact of gender-based violence across the life course while Caitlyn’s account demonstrates the crucial importance of housing with support. Jessica’s story, and her concerns about the future, highlight the risks posed to women who reside in emergency hostel accommodation, particularly if these settings become a long-term housing solution. Service provider accounts demonstrate a strong understanding of the issues that women who experience homelessness typically confront at the point of presenting to support services and accessing stable housing. Their perspectives on the challenges associated with addressing women’s needs suggest a strong awareness of the risk of ‘institutionalisation’ created by prolonged stays in homeless service settings.
Women, Homelessness and Service Provision
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