Housing Homeless Women: A Consumer Preference Study

Consumer preference surveys can provide valuable information on which to base the planning and development of housing for groups with special needs. The authors describe a survey that explored the housing histories, problems, needs, and preferences of a sample of 38 chronically homeless women contacted in metropolitan Toronto hostels and drop-in centers. Despite having multiple mental and physical health problems, the women showed a strong preference for a normal, independent living situation. However, they acknowledged the need for a range of supportive services to maintain themselves in such a situation. The women strongly opposed being housed in settings with mentally ill persons, with alcohol or drug abusers, and with those involved in criminal activities.