Book Description

"The population is aging, and the number of homeless older adults in Minnesota is growing. The increase of homeless older adults in Minnesota has led to a higher utilization of homeless shelters in Hennepin County. This study assesses the programs, services, and special accommodations in place at homeless shelters in Hennepin County to meet the needs of the older adult population. A face-to-face interview and a space assessment were created to assess the programs services, and special accommodations at local shelters. Research participants included five shelter workers. Combined, the five facilities serve 712 homeless individuals over the age of 18. The study concluded that Hennepin County homeless shelters offer a variety of programs and services. In addition, if a shelter is inadequately equipped to of meet the needs of a shelter guest, the data suggests that the shelter workers will refer the individual to a more appropriate setting. The data also concludes that there is room for improving current special accommodations made at the homeless shelters. The researcher made specific suggestions for improving programs, services, and special accommodations made in homeless shelters as well as recommendations to improve future studies on the topic of homlessness."--leaf 5.