Date of Conferral
7-12-2024
Date of Award
July 2024
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Public Policy and Administration
Advisor
Victoria Landu-Adams
Abstract
There is an inadequacy in strategies to address homeless and vulnerable youth “Zogos” in post-war Liberia. Homelessness among youth is a severe problem in post-war Liberia, with many sleeping in Palm Groove Cemetery and other informal housing settings in Monrovia and other parts of the country. This qualitative study explored post-war Liberia’s public housing program policy roles that professional competency and human capacity play in effectively mitigating homelessness of youth in Monrovia. Glasser’s choice theory was the theoretical framework used for this study. The research question explored how human capacity, selection eligibility, and professional competency at the National Housing Authority (NHA) have impacted resource utilization and implementation of public housing infrastructure and policies in post-war Liberia. A case study design was employed, using field notes, observation, and semi-structured interviews of 13 participants, i.e., homeless youth living in the cemetery, NHA staff, and other major stakeholders. Findings from the study and coding analysis were used to indicate the impact of the lack of government policies and strategies on homeless youth in Monrovia. The participants agreed on the need for robust public policy changes, a transparent selection process, the appointment of skilled professionals, and staff development to adequately address Liberia’s homeless situation. The implications for positive social change may lead to the formulation of public policies and the passing of legislation to address homelessness, thereby improving the living conditions of these youth.
Recommended Citation
Toh, II, Bofor Rahim, "The Impact of Liberia’s Post-War Public Housing Policy on Homelessness" (2024). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 16226.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/16226
