HOMELESSNESS IN SOUTHERN ARIZONA: NEGATIVE RECOVERY CAPITAL AS A PREDICTOR

Abstract

This qualitative study examined homelessness in Southern Arizona through the lens of a Recovery Capital model. There are four categories within this model: social capital, physical capital, cultural capital, and human capital. Fifteen homeless men and women were interviewed about their lives and what led them to being homeless. Two individuals provided photos of their lives. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and examined for aspects of the four categories. The results indicate that within social capital, specific needs include: strong family relationships and connections to jobs. Issues identified within physical capital include: lack of financial resources and savings. Issues identified within human capital: lack of education, work credentials, poor mental health, and drug or alcohol addiction. Issues identified within cultural capital: lack of desire to leave the streets and holding negative views of mainstream society.