“Being my Authentic Self Makes Me Feel at Home”: The Role of LGBTQ+ Italian Housing Services in Promoting Well-being for Queer Homeless Individuals

The present thesis aims to analyze effective features of Italian LGBTQ+ homeless shelters that promote well-being. Research on monitoring and implementing these services is limited, particularly in Europe, and few studies integrate the perspectives of LGBTQ+ shelters staff and users. The aim of Study 1 was to systematize studies describing programs, evaluating interventions, or outlining operational models for LGBTQ+ people experiencing homelessness (PEH). Key features of effective programs across ecological dimensions were highlighted. Psychological guidelines focused on self-reported visibility, positive self-identity, and sense of belonging. LGBTQ+ community participation, fostering self-affirmation, training competent staff and providing intersectional support were found to be effective for well-being promotion. Based on Study 1, Study 2 aimed to investigate the alignment of Italian LGBTQ+ shelters with international guidelines regarding service level well-being promotion. A fidelity checklist was administered to 5 managers of LGBTQ+ shelters of the PRIDE network, established between Italian LGBTQ+ housing services to improve their strategies and dialogue with local institutions. While PRIDE shelters aligned with international guidelines on individualized approaches, affirming spaces, and LGBTQ+ community connection, financial constraints hindered stable professional resources and psychological support. Given the lack of data on users, Study 3 aimed to identify effective features of Italian LGBTQ+ homeless shelters promoting well-being from the residents’ perspective, and whether they related to residents’ characteristics. 30 questionnaires and 28 semi-structured interviews were administered to residents or former residents of the PRIDE shelters. The interviews were analyzed using text mining and reflexive thematic analysis. Results highlighted how empowerment, self-determination, capabilities, and freedom can promote LGBTQ+ PEH well-being. The second theme underlined the importance of providing competent, affirmative, safe, and community-based spaces. Trans and nonbinary PEH placed more emphasis on aspects of physical safety, self-affirmation, and working alliance. Stability, routine, and peace were valued more by people who experienced longer periods of homelessness. Lastly, study 4 explored the strengths and gaps of the PRIDE shelters’ well-being promotion features through 20 semi-structured interviews with the staff. A deductive analysis revealed overlapping themes and discrepancies between staff and residents’ perceptions. According to results, a balance between a trauma-informed and safety-focused approach was recommended for well-being promotion in the short term, while working to restore pride, a positive queer identity, authenticity, and self-efficacy was suggested in the long term. This thesis provides a valuable opportunity to address LGBTQ+ homeless shelters’ features that promote well-being in from an ecological perspective. Incorporating promotive factors for this population within resource-based paradigms of community and positive psychology allowed moving beyond a one-dimensional perspective of well-being, towards a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and resources of LGBTQ+ PEH. Intersectionality-competent queer homeless services have the potential to promote LGBTQ+ PEH well-being by fostering capabilities, self-determination, and community connection. Results, strengths and limitations are discussed. Future directions for research and practice are presented to promote effective, affirming, and competent services for LGBTQ+ PEH.