Social Network Change after Moving into Permanent Supportive Housing: Who Stays and Who Goes?

Social relationships are important among persons experiencing homelessness, but there is little research on changes in social networks among persons moving into permanent supportive housing (PSH). Using data collected as part of a longitudinal study of 405 adults (aged 39+) moving into PSH, this study describes network upheaval during this critical time of transition. Interviews conducted prior to and after three months of living in PSH assessed individual-level characteristics (demographics, homelessness history, health and mental health) and included a social network component that assessed network size and composition (demographics, relationship type, social support); interviewers utilized network member characteristics to assess whether network members were new or sustained between baseline and 3 months post-housing. Multilevel logistic regression models assessed what characteristics of network members were associated with being newly-gained or persisting in networks 3 months after moving into PSH. We found that only one-third of social networks were retained during the transition to PSH, and that veterans, African Americans and other persons of racial/ethnic minorities, and those living in scattered-site housing were more likely to experience network disruption. Relatives, romantic partners, and service providers were most likely to be retained after move-in. Some network change was moderated by tie strength, including the retention of street-met persons. Implications are discussed.