Abstract
This book was developed from a course that sought to prepare frontline workers for meeting the complex needs of the Canadian homeless population. Clients who present with a myriad of needs (i.e., mental health, addictions, health care, interviewing, assessment, or referral) that will necessitate staff to assume roles that may not fall within the traditional boundaries of professional disciplines and may require a much broader range of expertise.
The introduction provides a clear overview of the organizational features of the book, basic premises, aims, usefulness of journaling, and how the content is presented. It is important to note that the “overview” for each section goes beyond a clear statement about the author’s intent, but it also puts the work within a broader context to adequately/competently serve the Canadian and U.S. homeless population. This is especially helpful given the different assumptions that they both may make regarding their health and public-welfare systems.
The book is well organized and the chapters follow a logical pattern beginning with a definition of the homeless and their lifestyle (Chapter #1) and to addressing the legal issues in the homeless sector (Chapter #12). The chapters in-between reflect social work values, and the suggested approaches are consistent with the questions and challenges that frontline workers must confront, regardless of their professional identity. The content of each chapter seems to be relevant for supervisors, frontline workers, but also adequate enough to stand as its own classroom textbook because of the supplemental examples and exercises. A class, depending on the course requirements and experiential learning opportunities, could potentially include undergraduate and graduate-level students. The book is applicable to multiple levels because there is a strong evidence-based practice component and concepts are approached from both a theoretical and outcome perspective.
One major limitation of the book is its sole emphasis on the Housing First model of intervention for the homeless and housing first as a strategy that can be modified for working with different client groups. Housing First as a model is a means of “… providing housing and at the same time building in support services that continue well after the housing has been secured” (pp. 175–176). The basic philosophy requires (i) an assertive treatment team or intensive case management, (ii) use of a harm reduction approach, (iii) clients are not required to treat contingencies (i.e., mental health, substance abuse, etc.), (iv) clients do not have to exhibit housing readiness, and (v) uses a motivational interviewing approach. As a strategy, housing first has as its primary goal to provide immediate stabilization of housing as a preventative measure to help reduce the chances of the development of additional problems and avoid the reoccurrence of homelessness. The author further reviews the essential components of the model and its use as a strategy. Clear distinctions are made between the various components and how to implement them. Most important, however, is the clear and evidence-based information about how, why, and with whom the model is more likely to be successful.
One subtle, though important component of the book is the role of repetition found within the content. The information presented and the associated exercises help to reinforce concepts and intervention strategies that are especially important for students and new staff. This is critical for those who hope to achieve the level of competence necessary for working with this unique population. The author also provides a framework that helps to desensitize those who have preconceived ideas about the homeless, their needs, and what is required for effective intervention.
Another less obvious feature of the book is how it stresses the importance of quality of life. Interestingly, the concept is not only based solely on the quality of life of the client but also from the worker’s perspective. There are exercises and information about how to protect workers from burnout, such as identification and appropriate ways of coping. Regrettably, the teaching of how to care for oneself is an all too often ignored component of a helping professionals’ skill set. Although theoretically simple, implementation of these self-care practices requires an effort equal to actual direct work with clients.
Overall, this is a very organized and well-written book, although it focuses on only the Housing First model for dealing with the homeless at the exclusion of other equally important approaches. It has the potential to serve as a reference text and is potentially useful as a textbook but would require supplemental readings and information if one was to get an adequate understanding of the different approaches to working with the homeless.