Class
Article
College
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Faculty Mentor
Jayme Walters
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
Homelessness has been rising at an alarming rate in the Bear River Region of Utah. Between 2017 and 2019, there has been a 400% increase in unsheltered homeless (HUD, 2019). Research indicates a lack of affordable housing is a likely cause (Lucero & Barker Tolman Shuler, 2020). Armed with the knowledge that finding housing is a key aspect to reduce homelessness, the present study set out to ascertain landlords’ awareness and attitudes of homelessness, as well as types of interventions they would support. Collaborating on a community-engaged project, USU social work students and faculty developed a survey of knowledge and attitudes of homelessness. A random sample of 600 landlords and property managers in the Bear River Region were selected. After training, students administered the survey to landlords via phone, email, and mail. Analyses included descriptive and bivariate statistics.Results show, typically, landlords (n= 130) underestimate rates and growth of homelessness. Two out of three landlords do not feel well informed about homelessness, are not aware that the region lacks a homeless shelter or available resources. The same number believe individuals experiencing homelessness are good people. Further, half of landlords want to help solve homelessness but do not know how. Findings indicate that landlords are more willing when domestic violence or a physical disability is the cause of homelessness. They are less comfortable renting to individuals who are homeless with psychiatric disabilities, criminal records, or prior evictions. What’s more is that four out of five landlords would be more likely to rent to individuals experiencing homeless if they had an outside point of contact, such as a social services representative, to reach if issues arise with tenants. The findings from this study will inform the development of interventions targeting landlord awareness and involvement in reducing homelessness in the Bear River Region. Presentation Time: Thursday, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Location
Logan, UT
Start Date
4-12-2021 12:00 AM
Included in
Landlord Perceptions of Homelessness in the Bear River Region
Logan, UT
Homelessness has been rising at an alarming rate in the Bear River Region of Utah. Between 2017 and 2019, there has been a 400% increase in unsheltered homeless (HUD, 2019). Research indicates a lack of affordable housing is a likely cause (Lucero & Barker Tolman Shuler, 2020). Armed with the knowledge that finding housing is a key aspect to reduce homelessness, the present study set out to ascertain landlords’ awareness and attitudes of homelessness, as well as types of interventions they would support. Collaborating on a community-engaged project, USU social work students and faculty developed a survey of knowledge and attitudes of homelessness. A random sample of 600 landlords and property managers in the Bear River Region were selected. After training, students administered the survey to landlords via phone, email, and mail. Analyses included descriptive and bivariate statistics.Results show, typically, landlords (n= 130) underestimate rates and growth of homelessness. Two out of three landlords do not feel well informed about homelessness, are not aware that the region lacks a homeless shelter or available resources. The same number believe individuals experiencing homelessness are good people. Further, half of landlords want to help solve homelessness but do not know how. Findings indicate that landlords are more willing when domestic violence or a physical disability is the cause of homelessness. They are less comfortable renting to individuals who are homeless with psychiatric disabilities, criminal records, or prior evictions. What’s more is that four out of five landlords would be more likely to rent to individuals experiencing homeless if they had an outside point of contact, such as a social services representative, to reach if issues arise with tenants. The findings from this study will inform the development of interventions targeting landlord awareness and involvement in reducing homelessness in the Bear River Region. Presentation Time: Thursday, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.