Leveraging research to inform prevention and intervention efforts: Identifying risk and protective factors for rural and urban homeless families within transitional housing programs.

This mixed method study spotlights hardships and supportive factors for unhoused families led by single mothers who have successfully graduated from two transitional housing programs, one rural and one urban. Data collection consisted of entry and exit surveys (n = 241) as well as qualitative interviews (n = 11). Binary logistic regression results indicated education and social support as significant predictors of successful program completion. Qualitative findings further illustrate narratives surrounding supportive factors and program supports (i.e., assistance securing employment, education courses, sense of community), as well as policy implications. Implications stress the need for enhancing supportive factors (i.e., education and social capital) in early prevention efforts (e.g., schools and community centers), as well as an intentional integration of addressing socio-emotional needs and resources within housing programs and services unique to rural and urban communities.