Graduation Year

2020

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Type

Open Access Capstone

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

Abstract

Introduction: Homelessness affects the economy, societies, and individuals’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Occupational therapy is a holistic profession that works with all populations across the lifespan. Financial management is a life skill that many Americans struggle with. Evidence on financial management skill development within homeless shelters and occupational therapy is sparse. Occupational justice is a theoretical framework that supports the right for residents in a homeless shelter to have direct interventions toward skill development, such as education in financial management. Methods: This institutional case study explored a homeless shelter to gain knowledge of real-life program phenomena, with focus on financial management. The primary location for this study was an emergency homeless shelter in the midwestern United States. Five employee participants were recruited through purposeful selection. Results: Participants felt that financial management was an effective intervention for residents in a homeless shelter, although success related to an overall comprehensive program. Conclusion: This study proposes financial management as an important intervention area for homeless shelters and OT practice and suggests the OT profession is qualified to fill roles in a homeless shelter setting.

Faculty Mentor

Dana M. Howell

Department Affiliation

Occupational Therapy

Committee Member

Shirley P. O'Brien

Department Affiliation

Occupational Therapy

IRB Approval Number (if applicable)

3071

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