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ABSTRACT
Housing is considered a social determinant of health, with poor housing conditions being associated with poor health. Veterans with disabilities are more likely to experience a housing crisis because of combat experiences and employment instability. We identified facilitators and barriers to finding and maintaining rental housing. We sought to understand the housing needs of Veterans with military-related disabilities using the biopsychoecological model (BEM) as an organizing framework. Our sample consisted of 39 Veterans who were renters. This qualitative descriptive study used an online or paper questionnaire to capture data on the Veterans’ experiences in searching for rental housing. Thematic analysis of responses resulted in the following themes based on the BEM: lack of quality housing, quality of the neighborhood, communication, policy, and reintegration. Findings provide insights that can assist agencies in tailoring services to Veterans to help them find quality homes that are accessible, affordable, and in safe and supportive communities.
Acknowledgments
To one of the disability movement’s angels, Elizabeth “Lisa” Hannold, PhD. Having the pleasure of working with you, we would like to acknowledge your uncompromising commitment to improving the lives of Veterans and individuals with disabilities. Dr. Hannold was an expert in qualitative research methods and a dedicated Research Health Scientist at the Center of Innovation on Disability and Rehabilitation Research at the Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Her research focused on community reintegration issues impacting Veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn who had disabilities and impacting their families. Dr. Hannold served as principal investigator and co-investigator on numerous research projects funded by various agencies such as the Department of Defense and the Veterans Affairs’ Health Services Research & Development Service, and Rehabilitation Research & Development. Thank you for your contribution to this work. RIP: September 26, 1963–September 28, 2015. This research team is forever grateful to Lynn Dirk. Thank you for your expertise and assistance throughout all aspects of this work. Your endless support and efforts made the completion of this work possible.
Disclosure Statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.