Return to Nowhere: Chronic Homelessness in the Atlanta Continuum of Care

Abstract Information: The increase in persons experiencing chronic homelessness in the US demonstrates the need for evaluation of present programs as more individuals leave and re-enter the homeless response system. In collaboration with the Atlanta Continuum of Care (CoC), the type of exits from Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) and Rapid Rehousing (RRH) programs was used to determine which factors predict successful program exits or sustained housing stability following program exit. This evaluation was conducted through a secondary analysis of Homelessness Management Information System data from July 2020-July 2023 to determine significant associations between demographic, programmatic, and structural factors and a return to homelessness within two years of program exit. Sequential logic regressions models produced adjusted odds ratios (AORs) for homelessness recidivism in the overall sample, among PSH participants, and among RRH participants. Statistically significant differences were found in homelessness recidivism between participants in Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) and Rapid Rehousing programs (RRH). These significant associations revealed important differences in the ways programs, prior experiences with homelessness, and aftercare can play in homelessness recidivism. The causes and effects of homelessness recidivism including the social, structural, and programmatic determinants must be considered in future research evaluation housing programs for people experiencing homelessness.