| |
| author |
Sophia George
| | title |
Housing Vouchers, Homelessness and Stigma during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Exploratory Study
| | abstract |
This project explores the experiences of individuals facing homelessness during the
COVID-19 Pandemic. The hardships are crucial to examine as the COVID-19 pandemic created
further barriers to housing the homeless population. I argue the stigmatized identity and the
COVID-19 pandemic act as barriers to housing the homeless population on housing vouchers.
The Housing Choice Voucher Program in Morris county is government assistance that aids
low-income individuals and families obtain stable housing on the private market (Department of
Community Affairs). My main research question is how has the pandemic affected individuals
with housing vouchers experiencing homelessness? To investigate this notion, I conducted seven
in-depth interviews to explore the experiences of homeless families and individuals during the
pandemic and analyze the effects of moratorium, and the natural experiment of universal basic
income (the stimulus checks) on housing voucher recipients. After transcribing and coding the
data using the computer-based programs Zoom and Trint, voucher recipients described their
main stressors during the pandemic and how their identity has been further impacted by the
stigma surrounding homelessness. Their number one stressor was finding stable housing which
affected their health, children's education, and obtaining necessities. I utilized the theoretical
framework of Erving Goffman's Stigma Theory and George Herbert Mead's theory of symbolic
interaction to further understand the importance of housing and the exacerbated barriers to
housing during the pandemic. This project contributes to research on housing the homeless
population as well as identifies future research and possible solutions regarding stable housing
for this vulnerable population.
| | school |
The College of Liberal Arts, Drew University
| | degree |
B.A. (2022)
|
| advisor |
Jonathan Reader
|
| full text | SGeorge.pdf |
| |
