Housed and still hungry: barriers to food security for single adults with mental illness and/or problematic substance use living in supported housing on Vancouver Isalnd
Institution: | University of Victoria |
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Department: | |
Year: | 2016 |
Keywords: | Food Security; supported Housing |
Posted: | 02/05/2017 |
Record ID: | 2072112 |
Full text PDF: | http://hdl.handle.net/1828/7292 |
The purpose of this research is to examine the barriers to food security for single adults with mental illness and/or problematic substance use living in supported housing on Vancouver Island. The objectives are: (a) to examine the difference in the level of food security for tenants of supported housing neighbourhoods located in urban versus a rural community; (b) to examine the barriers to food access experienced by the tenants; and (c) to examine which barriers have the greatest effect on the tenants. Using an explanatory case study design, I employ a community-based research method with a social justice perspective as the framework. I have used an explanatory matrix to illustrate the tenant identified barriers to food security and the social structures that affect these barriers. As well, I have made recommendations for integrating food security services and programs into supported housing projects. I have argued that food security is a matter of public health and an integrative approach is needed. I am suggesting a shift on a larger policy scale, to promote the health and well-being of tenants in supported housing. An adequate holistic perspective with an integrated, long-term strategy linking all the determinants of health would result in health-in-all policies. This strategy could reduce the existing health inequities that the tenants in supported housing experience. Advisors/Committee Members: Pauly, Bernadette M. (supervisor).