A Transcendental Phenomenological Study: Identifying the Unmet Needs of Homeless Veterans with or without Mental Disorders from a Healthcare Provider Perspective

This study explores the experiences of healthcare providers in addressing the unmet needs of homeless veterans and individuals experiencing homelessness in San Antonio, Texas. Data analysis revealed three overarching themes: access to resources, lack of desire for housing, and job satisfaction/discharge status. Under the access to resources theme, barriers limiting access to needed assistance for homeless Veterans and other people experiencing homelessness were identified, including limited support, agency challenges, lack of self-care, and moving forward. Theme two highlighted challenges addressing the lack of desire for housing among some homeless individuals and subthemes such as limited services, holistic approaches, community involvement, and limited service and shelter. The third theme, job satisfaction, and discharge status, highlights approaches, that assist providers in effectively serving homeless Veterans, regardless of discharge status and eligibility. Theoretical frameworks guided this transcendental phenomenological study, aiming to understand the needs of homeless populations from the provider's perspective, focusing on the unmet needs of all experiencing homelessness. Findings identify the repeated nature of unmet needs among the homeless populations and the importance of continuous support and new approaches in addressing homelessness throughout San Antonio, Texas.