Headline
A community health worker-led program for formerly homelessness individuals living in permanent supportive housing increased food security and social connectedness.
Context
Food insecurity is prevalent among people experiencing chronic homelessness and persists following transitions into permanent supportive housing (PSH). This study examined the impact of a pilot project that uses community health workers (CHWs) to support PSH residents to reduce food insecurity and increase a sense of community.
Findings
The study tracked the food security outcomes and perceptions of 140 residents of a PSH building in Houston, Texas, over the course of 12 months. The baseline survey was completed by 83 residents and found that 64% were experiencing food insecurity, and 100% lacked some common kitchenware items and appliances. The human-centered design pilot intervention included individual and group activities led by trained CHWs, such as linkage to necessary kitchen items, cooking classes, grocery store field trips, linkage to nutrition benefits (e.g., SNAP), and the design and distribution of a resident cookbook. Overall, participants reported the intervention was beneficial in increasing access to nutrition benefits, learning about nutrition and acquiring cooking skills, as well as cultivating a sense of connection to their community.
Takeaways
This study supports the use of human-centered design in developing CHW-led food insecurity interventions among chronically homeless people who have transitioned to PSH, a group that is known to experience food insecurity and social isolation.