Service providers' perception of factors that help or hinder homeless families

Homeless shelter directors in two southern states were surveyed to ascertain their perceptions of factors that help or hinder homeless, mother-headed families in emerging from homelessness. Respondents believed that mothers' attitudes and motivation were the most important factors in getting and keeping housing and that lack of social supports and relationship difficulties were the most significant problems families faced in their attempts to emerge from homelessness. Scarce housing was seen as the most significant barrier within the community. me findings are compared with findings from other studies, and explanations for differing results are presented, me author discusses the implications of the findings for service providers and communities in light of recent welfare-reform legislation.