Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Reba Glidewell

Abstract

Homelessness among veterans has been a widespread concern for over three decades. Individuals employed in transitional housing settings play a pivotal role in helping veterans overcome homelessness. There is a lack of qualitative studies that explores the experiences of these employees, which limits understanding of what is needed to help homeless veterans regain their place back in society and the ability to develop and implement better programs for the population. In this phenomenological study, semi-structured interviews were used to help understand and describe the lived experiences of employees who work directly with the homeless veteran population in transitional housing settings in New Jersey. The employees who work directly with homeless veterans shared insights on what motivates or discourages them in implementing more effective favorable strategies to assist homeless veterans. Herzberg’s two-factor theory of motivation constituted the theoretical framework for this study. Criterion sampling was used to recruit participants, and data were analyzed using Giogio’s psychological phenomenological method. Findings revealed that transitional housing employees, whether they felt motivated or discouraged in their positions, successfully helped veterans overcome homelessness. Findings from this study would be an important contribution to the existing literature and would enhance social change initiatives through understanding many experiences of employees who work effortlessly to try and eliminate homelessness among veterans.

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