Exploring the Needs of Students Experiencing Homelessness

From School Counselors’ Perspectives

Stacey A. Havlik, Jennifer Brady, and Kathleen Gavin

Villanova University
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Abstract

An increased understanding of the needs of students experiencing homelessness will

better inform educational and clinical practices to ensure student success. Through an

analysis of survey data using the Knowledge and Skills with Homeless Students Survey

(Gaenzle & Bryan, 2013), this exploratory study applied a mixed methods approach to

assess school counselors’ (N = 160) perceptions of the needs of students experiencing

homelessness. Thematic analysis of the survey data indicated the existence of four

dynamic and interrelated themes of student needs as well as differences in reported

needs by school counselors’ school level and location.

Keywords: homelessness, education, school counseling

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Exploring the Needs of Students Experiencing Homelessness

From School Counselors’ Perspectives

In 2007, the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty estimated that

nearly 1.35 million children experience homelessness, affecting nearly one out of every

45 children each year (Griffin & Farris, 2010; The National Center on Family

Homelessness, 2010). As the number of families experiencing homelessness continues

to escalate, there is a growing concern for researchers, educators, and policy makers to

better identify and address the needs of these children. Although children experiencing

homelessness are a highly heterogeneous and vulnerable subpopulation of homeless

persons, research has continuously confirmed the shared harmful impact of

homelessness on children’s physical and emotional wellbeing (The National Center on

Family Homelessness, 2011; The National Center on Family Homelessness, 1999).

These children, when compared to peers with consistent housing, are also more likely

to demonstrate higher levels of anxiety, depression and withdrawal, and display a

disproportionately higher incidence of mental health, physical health, and behavioral

issues (Bucker, Bassuk, Weinreb, & Brooks, 1999; Mansoo, North, Lavesser, Osbourne,

& Spitznagel, 2008; The National Child Traumatic Stress Network, 2005). The pervasive

and chronic nature of homelessness negatively impacts other areas of functioning as

well, including children’s academic achievement and educational opportunities

(Grothaus, Lorelle, Anderson, & Knight, 2011; Herbers et al., 2012; Masten et al., 2012).

As children experiencing homelessness are exposed to extensive and often debilitating

difficulties that impact the trajectory of their later development, it is essential to further

understand their complex and collective needs. Through exploring the needs of
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students experiencing homelessness from school counselors’ perspectives, this study

seeks to expand on the present findings regarding students’ needs in order to develop

more effective and individually tailored services and interventions to facilitate emotional,

behavioral, and academic development at the school level.

This exploratory study investigates school counselors’ perceptions of the needs

of students experiencing homelessness. Through use of the Knowledge and Skills with

Homeless Students Survey [KSHSS] (Gaenzle & Bryan, 2013), the present study

includes school counselors’ (N = 160) responses to a survey section asking them to

describe the academic, personal/social, and career planning needs of students

experiencing homelessness. These areas were selected based on the three

developmental domains of students according to the American School Counselor

Association [ASCA] National Model (ASCA, 2012). While several articles identify the

needs of students experiencing homelessness from a community perspective (Aviles &

Helfrich, 2004; Coker et al., 2009; Hicks-Coolick, Burnside-Eaton, & Peters, 2003), no

empirical study to date investigates the needs of students experiencing homelessness

from a school counseling perspective. As comprehensive school counseling programs

address the needs of all students (ASCA, 2012), including students who experience

homelessness, school counselors are likely to work closely with these students and are

uniquely attuned to their needs (ASCA, 2010). In this sense, the perspective of the

school counselor – a valuable yet often overlooked vantage point – offers a useful layer

of insight with which to better inform school-based approaches targeting students’

needs. Through a mixed methods analysis, this study provides a deeper understanding

of the needs of students experiencing homelessness as well as offers important

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practical implications to better address these needs. The results of this article propose a

model of needs that can guide educators and other service providers to offer supportive

interventions for students experiencing homelessness at the school level.

Impact of Homelessness on Children and Youth

In order to comprehensively and effectively address the needs of students

experiencing homelessness, it is essential to first illuminate the challenges and

stressors associated with homelessness. Through an enhanced understanding of the

shared struggles that these students’ face, their needs can be further clarified and used

to enlighten best practices. Several authors have concluded that homelessness can

impact the emotional, behavioral, and academic development of students. For example,

Buckner, Bassuk, Weinreb, and Brooks (1999) drew attention to the impact of

homelessness through a comparison of children experiencing homelessness (N = 80)

and children with consistent housing (N = 148). They found that children experiencing

homelessness are exposed to more stressful life events than their peers with consistent

housing and are also more likely to exhibit internalizing and behavioral concerns.

Research also indicates that homelessness can interrupt a child’s personal and social

development, contributing to a sense of isolation and anxiety (Anooshian, 2003; Daniels,

1992), which can make it difficult for children to maintain consistent relationships

(Daniels, 1992). Further, Gewirtz et al. (2008) suggests, the emotional and behavioral

consequences of homelessness may worsen the longer a child experiences

homelessness.

Related to their emotional and behavioral difficulties, children experiencing

homelessness are also at an increased risk for facing academic concerns (Fantuzzo,
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LeBoeuf, Chen, Rouse, & Culhane, 2012; Obradovic et al., 2009). Due to their

transience, children experiencing homelessness often do not attend school on a regular

basis, thus preventing them from receiving the same academic services as their

consistently housed peers (Hicks-Coolick et al., 2003). As a result of their frequent

disruptions from school, these children are subject to a host of academic-related

difficulties including developmental delays (Karger & Stoesz, 1998), lower academic

performance (Miller, 2011; Rubin et al., 1996), increased risk for learning disabilities

(Rubin et al., 1996; Biggar, 2001), and increased likelihood for grade retention (Rafferty,

Shinn, & Weitzman, 2004). Further, children experiencing homelessness have difficulty

receiving consistent transportation, providing documentation of residency, and having

appropriate academic placement services (U.S. Department of Education, 2004;

McCarthy, 2000; Strawser, Markos, Yamaguchi, & Higgins, 2000). Importantly, the

multifaceted nature of these academic challenges has a complex and, at times,

symbiotic relationship to the child’s psychosocial difficulties. The intricacy and co-

morbidity of these consequences of homelessness demands an increased awareness

of how these problems can be appropriately and sensitively addressed.

Needs of Students Experiencing Homelessness

Addressing the emotional and academic impact of homelessness requires an

identification of the needs of children and youth experiencing homelessness in order to

improve interventions and services in the school, family, and community. In light of the

emotional, behavioral, and academic consequences of homelessness, several authors

have suggested needs that emerge due to challenges faced by students (Aviles &

Helfrich, 2004; Daniels, 1992; Baggerly & Borkowski, 2004; Grothaus et al., 2011;
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Hicks-Coolick et al., 2003). For instance, Aviles and Helfrich (2004) and Hicks-Coolick

et al. (2003) describe service needs, as those comprehensive services that are needed

to support students experiencing homelessness. These are described as services

related to education, emotional guidance, daily living, health, and basic needs (Aviles &

Helfrich, 2004). Further, Daniels (1992) suggests a conceptual framework of needs

related to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (Maslow, 1943). These needs include

Physiological Needs (food, clothing, and finances), Safety Needs (personal security and

having a safe haven), the Need of Love and Belonging (acceptance, affection, and

being loved), and Self-Esteem Needs (a healthy psychological disposition). These

needs can be broken down into separate, yet interconnected categories that often

dynamically co-exist.

Basic Needs

On the most primary level, basic needs are commonly highlighted as lacking for

students experiencing homelessness (Daniels, 1992; Hicks-Coolick et al., 2003). These

basic needs include food, shelter, privacy, and clothing (Aviles & Helfrich, 2004; Browne,

1993; Buckner, 2008). Further, Hicks-Coolick et al. (2003) describes basic needs as

Care Needs including daycare, developmental assessments, and medical screenings.

Additional basic needs related to financial stability include having heat in the winter and

worrying about family safety (Buckner, 2008). The lack of basic needs such as those

described above leads to prominent challenges in a child’s development.

Emotional Needs

Emotional services, such as direct facilitation in both individual and family

counseling (Baggerly, 2004; Hicks-Coolick et al., 2003; Strawser et al., 2000), as well as
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creating a comforting school environment (Strawser et al., 2000) that is family-oriented

(Buckner et. al., 1999) are frequently suggested in the literature to address the

emotional impact of homelessness. Interventions that target self-esteem, anxiety,

depression, and other struggles faced by students experiencing homelessness

(Baggerly, 2004) are needed as well as student services that focus on empowerment

(Swick, 2010). A need for a supportive school environment is further emphasized in the

literature, which includes providing a safe and trusting climate for the students as well

as educational and emotional support for parents (Hausman & Hammen, 1993).

Generally, programs that provide emotional supports are critical in ensuring students in

schools attain their full emotional and academic potential.

Academic Needs

Related to their emotional needs, children experiencing homelessness have

additional academic needs that include obtaining consistent transportation to and from

school and having access to school records and documentation required for enrollment

(U.S. Department of Education, 2004). Other academic needs associated with the

school environment include a well-trained staff (Amatea & West-Olantunji, 2007),

increased awareness by staff regarding the rights of children experiencing

homelessness, and knowledge of warning signs of developmental and behavioral

problems associated with these experiences (Hicks-Coolick et al., 2003). Further,

students need academic programs such as tutoring and mentoring in order to

complement their educational experiences (Gaenzle, 2012; Grothaus et al., 2011;

Hicks-Coolick et al., 2003). Other academic needs include shelter space, before- and
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afterschool care, attendance support, and training and support for parents (Hicks-

Coolick et al., 2003).

Methods

While the research literature has identified and defined the needs of children

experiencing homelessness, these studies are limited in their scope and perspective. As

children experiencing homelessness are often embedded within the school system, it is

imperative to explore how their needs are described and classified by those who work

intimately with these students. Given school counselors are likely to directly interact with

and provide services for students experiencing homelessness, an increased

understanding of their perspective on the needs of these children will better inform

developmentally-appropriate and individually-tailored interventions.

Researchers in this study analyzed qualitative survey data from a free-response

section of the Knowledge and Skills with Homeless Students Survey [KSHSS] that

prompted school counselors to respond with what they felt were the major needs of

students experiencing homelessness (Gaenzle & Bryan, 2013). The purpose of this

analysis is to better understand and identify themes and patterns within school

counselors’ perspectives regarding the needs of students experiencing homelessness,

as well as determine differences in reported needs by school level and location. A

mixed methods approach was selected to maximize the strengths inherent in qualitative

and quantitative research and to render the most useful and thorough solutions to the

research questions (Johnson & Onwuegbuzie, 2004). Thematic analysis was selected

as a qualitative method to organize and comprehend the perceived needs (Attride-

Stirling, 2001). The chi-square statistic was selected to analyze the coded categorical
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data to determine differences between each of the reported needs and participants’

school levels (elementary, middle, and high school), and locations (urban, rural, and

suburban) (Schumacker & Tomek, 2013). This study addressed the following research

questions:

 What do school counselors perceive as the major needs of students who are

experiencing homelessness?

 Is there a relationship between each of the major needs of students experiencing

homelessness as reported by school counselors and the location (urban, rural,

and suburban) and level (elementary, middle, and high) of the schools where

they work?

Sample

Participants included 160 randomly selected school counselors from the

American School Counselor Association [ASCA] member directory. Participants in this

study identified as 67 (41.9%) suburban school counselors, 39 (24.4%) rural school

counselors, and 50 (31.3%) urban school counselors. Broken down by grade level,

there are 59 (36.9%) elementary school counselors, 33 (20.6%) middle school

counselors, and 64 high school counselors (40%). Four participants did not provide

demographic information and therefore, were included in the thematic analysis, but not

in the chi-square analysis.

In total, 873 school counselors received a link to participate in this survey. The

overall response rate for the original study was 207 participants (23.7% response rate),

with 160 (18.3% responses rate) participants completing the survey in its entirety

(Gaenzle & Bryan, 2013). The authors speculate that many of the participants who
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opted out of the last section, which asked them to report the needs of students

experiencing homelessness, may have had little interaction with students experiencing

homelessness and therefore did not have any needs to report. Some participants (n =

21) reported having no students experiencing homelessness on their caseload and

others (n = 76) reported having less than five. All of the participants who did complete

the survey in its entirety (N = 160) had one or more students experiencing

homelessness on their caseload.

Data Collection

In order to collect responses, randomly selected participants who identified as

elementary, middle, and high school counselors from the ASCA member directory were

emailed a link to the KSHSS survey through Survey Monkey (www.surveymonkey.com),

with an electronic consent form and university institutional review board statements.

Participation was completely voluntary. The link was re-sent five times to increase

participation. After survey responses were collected, they were downloaded into an

Excel spreadsheet for coding and thematic analysis and then recoded into an SPSS

spreadsheet for chi-square analysis.

Instrumentation. For the purposes of this study, open-ended responses from

one section of the KSHSS were analyzed (Gaenzle, 2012; Gaenzle & Bryan, 2013). For

more details on the instrument design, see Gaenzle and Bryan (2013). The full survey

consisted of seven sections of multiple-choice items and one open-ended section.

Based on the three domains of school counseling, in the open-ended section

participants were asked to “list the five most important academic/educational,

personal/social, and career/college planning needs of homeless students”. This open-

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ended section allowed participants to write in their perceived needs, based on the three

domains of the ASCA national model of school counseling (ASCA, 2012), with no word

limit.

Data Analysis

A mixed methods approach to analysis was selected to gain additional insight

and understanding that may be missed in a single methods approach (Johnson &

Onwuegbuzie, 2004). As the literature on homelessness has not examined the needs of

students experiencing homelessness from the perspective of the school counselor, the

authors believe they can better inform policy and practice to support students through

the corroboration of findings across methodologies. A team of three females from a

small mid-Atlantic institution conducted the analysis. The team included an assistant

professor with a background in school counseling and one first year and one second

year graduate student in clinical mental health counseling. The assistant professor had

an extensive understanding of school counseling and students experiencing

homelessness. The graduate students entered the study with limited background and

understanding of school counseling and the impact of homelessness on children.

In order to develop the coding for this data, the three researchers applied

theoretical thematic analysis as a deductive approach for analysis, using the guidelines

suggested by Braun and Clarke (2006). Braun and Clark (2006) describe a six-step

approach to thematic analysis; these steps include becoming familiar with the data,

generating initial codes, searching for themes, reviewing the themes, defining and

naming themes, and producing a report. This method was selected due to the large

number of responses in the data set and in order to have a clear process to identify a
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number of themes that reflect the textual data in this study (Howitt & Cramer, 2008).

The theoretical approach to thematic analysis was selected because the initial codes

were developed in light of previous research on the needs of students experiencing

homelessness (Aviles & Helfrich, 2004; Baggerly & Borkowski, 2004; Daniels, 1992;

Hicks-Coolick, et al., 2003).

After individually coding the responses in an Excel spreadsheet, the researchers

uncovered new codes that seemed to best capture the data set. Through individual

reflection, reflective journaling, and group discussion of the codes, the researchers then

began identifying broader themes within the data. Throughout the six steps, the team

worked independently and then jointly as they discussed and reflected upon their

understanding of the analyses. The codes were refined and revised throughout the

process (Heppner, Kivlighan, & Wampold, 1999). After the researchers gained a better

understanding of the themes they derived from the coding, they analyzed each

individual theme further, operationalized the definitions of these themes, and then

determined how they connected to the initial research questions (Hsieh & Shannon,

2005). Subsequently they developed thematic maps, which are provided in the results.

The researchers sought to converge and expand these research findings through

quantitative analysis. In order to elaborate on and enhance understanding of the

identified needs of students experiencing homelessness, the researchers examined the

relationship between school level (elementary, middle, and high school) and school

location (urban, rural, and suburban) and the participants’ reporting of each need.

Initially, frequencies were run on the participant’s reported needs by location and level.

Since many participants reported multiple needs, in order to calculate the frequencies, a
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total count was provided for each of the needs, regardless of the specific participant, to

determine how often each need was reported overall by level and location.

For the chi-square analysis, in order to produce a dichotomous variable, each

participant’s individual responses were given a 0 or a 1 based on whether or not they

reported on each of the major needs that emerged from the thematic analysis. For

example, if a participant reported an academic need, they were given a 1. If the same

participant did not report a need related to emotional connection, then they received a 0

for that type of need. Responses were coded by using six needs based on the thematic

analysis. The six needs included academic, survival, emotional connection, access and

knowledge, career, and parental needs. Chi-square analysis was chosen due to the

categorical nature of the independent variables (level and location), as well as the

dichotomous coding of the needs reported (Schumacker & Tomek, 2013).

Validity. Threats to validity within this study include researcher “bias” due to the

principal investigator’s background and prior knowledge on homelessness and school

counseling (Maxwell, 2005). In order to rectify possible biases in the coding of

responses, two co-investigators were selected whom had limited background

knowledge in school counseling and/or homelessness. Investigator triangulation was

used to limit bias in interpretation of the data (Guion, Diehl, & McDonald, 2011; Heppner

et al., 1999). Each researcher coded and developed themes independently throughout

the process, and then a discussion was held as a team. During the process, the three

researchers compared perspectives when they did not understand a theme or code and

challenged each other when bias was presented. While coding, each researcher
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continuously engaged in reflective journaling to create transparency in their

interpretations and to identify biases in the process (Ortlipp, 2008).

In order to further improve validity and to reduce researcher bias, a peer audit

was applied (Maxwell, 2005). A fourth individual was invited to audit the thematic

analysis. The individual was outside of the counseling field and had no background in

working with students experiencing homelessness. The peer auditor reviewed the

thematic analysis and offered her insights on the codes and themes. These codes were

then reexamined and adjusted accordingly.

Findings

School Counselors’ Perceptions of Needs

The thematic analysis of participant responses led to four interrelated themes.

These themes provide a deeper understanding of the needs of students experiencing

homelessness from the perspective of school counselors and provide a framework for

educators addressing the needs of students. The four main themes include a) survival

and healthy development, b) systems and services for emotional connection, c)

academic services and supports, and d) access to and knowledge of services. Further,

18 subthemes emerged under the main themes. As no previous studies describe these

needs from the perspective of the school counselor, this study offers insight into the

provision of services that can better address and enhance the development of students

experiencing homelessness from an educational perspective. The results of this study

support previous findings, provide a framework for educators and service providers and

highlight areas that had not previously been mentioned in the literature.
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Survival and healthy development. The first theme, survival and healthy

development is defined as the basic element necessary for children to develop and

thrive (see Figure 1). This theme includes the subthemes food, clothing, and shelter.

The participants in this study described the need for these necessities as well as a need

for safety in the home and school environment for students experiencing homelessness.

In reflection of the importance of this primary need, one participant stated, “safety and

shelter needs must first be addressed.” Further, having clean clothes or school uniforms

as well as snacks at home and in school to increase focus and energy were frequently

described. For example, one participant stated that there was “not enough

food…including snacks (at home).” Related to food, clothing and shelter, participants

also identified the necessity of obtaining financial security to meet these basic needs.

Survival and
Healthy
Development

Food and Clothing Shelter

Figure 1. Thematic map of Theme 1: Survival and healthy development.

Systems and services for emotional connection. In the second theme,

participants reflected on the general school atmosphere as well as emotional support

systems and services, such as counseling, as being necessary for students

experiencing homelessness (see Figure 2). Subthemes include supportive school

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atmosphere, supportive relationships, parental involvement and support; counseling

needs; and individual and group counseling (skill building: goal setting, communication

and stress management). Participants commented that students experiencing

homelessness need “understanding that they are not the only ones in the situation.”

Further, one participant stated that educators should be “supporting students so they

don’t feel alone and disconnected.” Participants also consistently mentioned the

importance of students feeling a sense of belonging and stability in their environment.

They reported that students experiencing homelessness feel isolated in the school and

require supportive services to help them feel a sense of connectedness, such as

counseling approaches that support both personal and social development. The

necessity of accessible counseling interventions, including individual and group

counseling that addresses emotional support and skill building, were also persistently

affirmed. Moreover, developing communication skills and stress and anxiety

management, as well as goal setting were frequently described, with one participant

suggesting that educators “meet with student[s] to set short and long term goals for their

future – this gives them hope and a focus as long as they know they will be supported in

their efforts.”

In general, supportive relationships with counselors, parents, peers, and other

educators were recognized as significant socio-emotional needs for students to ensure

they feel supported and connected. Participants often mentioned including and

educating parents so they can better support their children emotionally. One participant

suggested “student/parent awareness of rights/accommodations under the Homeless

Act [McKinney-Vento 2001] as appropriate” in order for parents to optimally advocate for
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their children. Another suggested that schools “provide parents with a list of

social/services/resources.” Consistent within the context of supportive relationships,

others highlight the value of healthy, encouraging relationships with peers and “positive

relationships with teachers/counselors.”

Parental
Involvement &
Counseling Support
Needs

Systems &
Services for
Emotional
Connection Supportive
Relationships
Individual & Group
Counseling

Emotional Support Skill Building Supportive

School
Atmosphere
Goal Setting Communication

Stress & Anxiety

Management

Figure 2: Thematic map of Theme 2: Systems and services for support and connection.

Academic services and supports. In the third theme, participants identified the

inclusion of additional academic support systems to improve academic success (see

Figure 3). Subthemes include having a location to study, school supplies, career and

college planning, and academic services. In order to contend with the educational level

of their peers with consistent housing, on the most basic level, participants
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recommended that students obtain academic supplies such as pencils, notebooks and

school uniforms. For instance, one participant stated that students experiencing

homelessness need “supplies to complete school assignments: scissors, glue, crayons,

notebooks.” Moreover, participants suggested the need for a consistent and quiet

location where students can study and complete assignments, since privacy may be

lacking where they live. Additionally, supplemental services such as assessments to

determine appropriate class placements, after/before school programs to provide

additional learning opportunities and tutoring programs were recommended as

necessary for students to be on track with their peers. Further, participants proposed

that students experiencing homelessness should “not [be] penalized by teachers for

school absences or failure to complete required assignments due to homeless [ness]”

and that they are given opportunities to “[overcome] educational needs that have not

been met due to transitions and moving.”

Most notably, related to their academic development, participants identified a

need to ensure students are career and college ready through creating educational

plans and addressing financial concerns related to application fees, cost of college, and

cost of tests required for admission. This includes the need for providing resources and

support for students to evaluate their post-graduation plans and prepare for college. For

example, a participant suggested, “creating a plan to let homeless students know they

can attend college.”

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Location to School
Study Supplies
Academic
Services
and
Supports
Career &
Academic
College
Services
Planning

Figure 3: Thematic map of Theme 3: Academic services and supports.

Access to and knowledge of services. The final theme, closely related to the

first three themes, is the need for students and families experiencing homelessness to

have access to and knowledge of the services available to them (see Figure 4). This

theme includes the subthemes transportation, access to resources and knowledge of

resources and policies. Included in this theme is transportation to and from school with

one participant noting that students experiencing homelessness have “difficulty arriving

on time to school because they take the bus from far away.” Participants identified a

need for accessible and reliable transportation as it ensures students can attend school

and outside academic functions consistently and timely each day.

Participants further describe a need for available resources for students and

families experiencing homelessness so they can “connect with outside [agencies] to

provide for basic needs – food, shelter, clothing, etc.” Within this service context, many

participants highlighted the need for a resource specialist to “assist with needs at the

place of residence”. Further, obtainable referrals to resources in the community were

frequently identified as well as ability to access these general services. They also

discussed the importance of counselors, faculty, administrators and parents knowing

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policies such as the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (2001) to better

understand the rights of the child and to be able to advocate to remove barriers.

Access to
Transportation
Resources

Access to
and
Knowledge
of Services

Knowledge of
Resources and
Policies

Figure 4: Thematic map of Theme 4: Access to and knowledge of services.

Relationships Between Reported Needs and Level and Location

In order to further investigate the suggested needs of students experiencing

homelessness and to explore whether there are possible differences between groups,

frequencies on all reported needs were run, as well as chi-square analyses. The

frequencies suggest the possibility of differences between the participant’s school level

and location and their perceptions of the students’ needs. Although academic needs

were reported at similar frequency, when broken down by sub-theme, career planning,

was reported more frequently for those at the high school level (17.8%), than at the

middle (11.6%) or elementary school levels (5.4%). Survival needs were reported more

frequently among elementary school counselors (22.5%), than middle (12.8%) or high

school counselors (13.6%). Further, the need for access and knowledge of services was
 22

reported more frequently by participants at the high school (14.7 %) and middle school

levels (14%), than at the elementary school level (7.9%). See Table 1.

Table 1
Frequencies of Reported Needs by School Level

Reported Need Elementary Middle High Total Responses

Academic 49 (29.9%) 25(29.1%) 45 (23.6%) 121

Survival 37(22.5%) 11(12.8%) 26(13.6%) 75
Emotional 52(31.7%) 25(29.1%) 54(28.3%) 134
Connection
Access and 13(7.9%) 12(14.0%) 28(14.7%) 54
Knowledge
Career 9(5.4%) 10(11.6%) 34(17.8%) 54
Parental 4(2.4%) 3(3.5%) 4(2.1%) 11

Total 164 86 191 449

Some similarities and differences were also suggested by location (rural, urban,

and suburban). For instance, academic support needs were reported consistently

across locations. However, rural school counselors reported survival needs slightly

more frequently (22%) than suburban (15.3%) or urban (15.3%) school counselors.

Emotional connection was reported frequently across all three locations; however, rural

school counselors (24.8%) reported this need less frequently than suburban (30.1%) or

urban school counselors (32.8%). Additionally, suburban (14.3%) and rural school

counselors (12.8%) reported needs related to career planning more frequently than

urban school counselors (8.0%). Lastly, urban school counselors reported needs related

to parent involvement more frequently (5.8%). See Table 2.

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Table 2
Frequencies of Reported Needs by School Location

Reported Need Suburban Rural Urban Total Responses

Academic 53(27.0%) 29(26.6%) 37(27.0%) 121

Survival 30(15.3%) 24(22.0%) 21(15.3%) 75
Emotional 59(30.1%) 27(24.8%) 45(32.8%) 134
Connection
Access and 23(11.7%) 15(13.8%) 15(10.9%) 54
Knowledge
Career 28(14.3%) 14(12.8%) 11(8.0%) 54
Parental 3(1.5%) 0(0.0%) 8(5.8%) 11

Total 196 109 137

In order to investigate whether there were significant relationships between

participants’ reported needs by the categorical values, level (elementary, middle, and

high school) and location (urban, rural, and suburban), chi-square tests were performed.

Significant relationships were found between level and those counselors who reported

survival needs, X2(3, N = 159) = 9.59, p = .02 and career needs, X2(3, N = 159) =

19.88,p = .00. No significant relationships were found between school level and

academic, X2(3, N = 159) = 2.90, p = .42; emotional connection, 2

(3, N = 159) = 3.03,

p = .36; access and knowledge, X2(3, N = 159) = 6.56, p = .09; or parental needs X2(3,

N = 159) = .51, p = .96. Relationships between school location and academic, X2(3, n =

159) = 0.67, p = .92; survival, X2(3, N = 159) = 6.60, p = .08; access and knowledge,

X2(3, N = 159) = .71, p = .86; or career needs, X2(3, N = 159) = 5.09, p = .16, were not

found to be significant. However, the percentage of participants reporting emotional

connection, X2(3, N = 159) = 9.18, p = .03 and parental needs, X2(3, N = 159) = 10.15, p

= .02 were found to have significant relationships by school location.

 24

Discussion

The results of this study offer an improved understanding of the needs of

students experiencing homelessness from a school counseling perspective. Although

there is literature suggesting the general needs of children experiencing homelessness

(Aviles & Helfrich, 2004; Baggerly, 2004; Browne, 1993; Buckner, 2008; Daniels, 1992;

Hicks-Coolick et al., 2003; Strawser et al., 2000), this study expands current knowledge

through an educational perspective by describing school counselors’ perspectives on

these needs, as well as investigating differences between level and location of schools.

School counselors, who address the emotional, behavioral, and academic needs of all

students (ASCA, 2012), offer unique insight as the frequency and regularity of their

interactions with students experiencing homelessness affords them a distinct advantage

in identifying their needs at the school level. These findings reaffirm the importance of

individually tailored services to address these needs.

The findings of this study qualify aspects of prior research that describe the

needs of students experiencing homelessness including the importance of identifying

survival needs (care needs), safety needs, emotional needs, and service needs (Aviles

& Helfrich, 2004; Daniels, 1992; Hicks-Coolick, et al., 2003). Additionally, this research

affirms and reiterates the need for academic support such as tutoring programs

(Grothaus et al., 2011), counseling services (Hicks-Coolick et al., 2003; Strawser et al.,

2000) and supportive and safe school environments for students experiencing

homelessness (Hausman & Hammen, 1993; Strawser et al., 2000). However, this study

supplements current frameworks for identifying student needs in schools through the

identification of career and counseling needs and specific counseling objectives (goal
 25

setting, communication skills, stress, and anxiety management) from school counselors’

perspectives. Additionally, this research offers added insight into the importance of

knowledge and access to resources and services as a need for students experiencing

homelessness. Further, it provides a clear direction for educators and service providers

when assessing the specific needs of individual students in schools, as well as

highlights the differences in needs that students may experience at different levels or

locations of their schools. The distinguishable themes presented within this research

provide a clear framework for service providers in the provision of individually tailored

and developmentally appropriate services for students experiencing homelessness.

Implications for School Counselors

The results of this study render both clinical and academic implications for school

counselors, offering a valuable and often overlooked perspective on homelessness. The

four identified themes presented within this research will better inform the practices of

school counselors and service providers to support students experiencing

homelessness. The distinctive lens of this study will also foster the development and

implementation of tailored services to target students experiencing homelessness at

varying levels and locations of educational settings.

The findings of this study support the previous literature in their emphasis on

meeting student’s basic survival needs (Aviles & Helfrich, 2004; Browne, 1993; Buckner,

2008; Daniels, 1992; Hicks-Coolick et al., 2003). This study reaffirms the importance of

identifying and attending to the survival needs of students, especially as deficiencies

impacting healthy physical development and safety may not be easily recognizable in a

school setting. The prominent survival needs acknowledged within this study hold
 26

meaningful implications for educators and service providers. For example, school

counselors may be more inclined to keep a donated collection of clothing and snacks on

hand for students in need to help them maintain focus and energy during the school day

(Daniels, 1992). In light of these findings, school personnel may also extend efforts to

obtain snacks on days when tests or large assignments are given. Moreover, they will

want to ensure students are enrolled in reduced or free lunch programs to alleviate the

financial burden on the parents. As suggested by this study, the survival needs of

students experiencing homelessness may differ depending on the level of the school.

For example, elementary school students may have very different survival needs as

compared to high school or middle school students.

The findings of this study also reiterate the value of ensuring that students form

safe and secure relationships with faculty and peers within the school. School

counselors should be especially sensitive to the interpersonal impacts resulting from

student transience and seek to foster opportunities for students to build closeness with

others (Baggerly & Borkowski, 2004). Further, the findings substantiate the need for

school counselors and service providers to create a positive school environment that

fosters a sense of connectedness and belonging. Given that strong parental

relationships are seen as protective factors for those experiencing homelessness

(Herbers et al, 2011), it is imperative for counselors to encourage active parental

involvement and support in school-based interventions. The need for parental

engagement verified within this study implies regular interaction between school

counselors and families to impart the knowledge and skills necessary for parents to

adequately support their children. Building supportive, trusting, and collaborative

 27

relationships with family members (Amatea & West-Olatunji, 2007; Grothaus et al.,

2011) is then highly important, and includes having materials on services and programs

available, as well as having knowledge of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance

Act (Gaenzle, 2012; Julianelle & Foscarinis, 2003; Strawser et al., 2000). The identified

need for secure and safe attachments within this study, both within the school setting

and the family dynamic, implies that school counselors should implement more

interpersonally attuned interventions that capitalize on relationship strengths.

Additionally, involving students in school counseling or outside mental health

services, such as group and individual counseling, may enhance their personal growth

and provide them with further emotional support (Baggerly & Borkowski, 2004; Grothaus

et al., 2011). The findings of this study imply school counselors should regularly

incorporate communication skill building, social skills enhancement, goal setting and

anxiety and stress management into their interventions. In addition, introducing topics of

problem solving and self-esteem are advantageous (Grothaus et al., 2011), as this

would provide a context for students experiencing homelessness to attend to and work

through their emotional challenges. While the identified counseling needs within this

study suggest the inclusion of particular intervention topics, it is still imperative for

school counselors to individually tailor their interventions to meet the developmental

needs of particular students at their schools.

Supplementing the necessity of emotional and behavioral support, school

counselors in this study frequently stated the need for additional academic support.

Although prior research indicates school counselors are infrequently engaged in the

coordination and implementation of mentoring and tutoring programs for students

 28

experiencing homelessness (Gaenzle, 2012; Gaenzle & Bryan, 2013), the results of this

study reaffirm the importance of these supportive programs (Grothaus et al., 2011;

Hicks-Coolick et al., 2003). As these programs often require transportation, service

providers must be prepared to coordinate transportation with administration and other

school personnel to guarantee students are accessing and attending these programs.

Collaboration with teachers within the classroom setting was also repeatedly described,

implying that counselors should extend an effort to work jointly with teachers to ensure

that students are receiving appropriate and challenging coursework remediation. This

also suggests that school counselors and teachers should be attuned to each student’s

housing limitations and should allocate support and latitude for late assignments and

late arrivals.

Within the context of identified academic needs, participants proposed a need to

ensure students experiencing homelessness are both ready and prepared in their post-

graduation plans. As reports of career needs were found to be significantly different

based on level and location, school counselors must be attentive to their student’s

career goals and able to assist in their future planning pertaining to the developmental

level of the students. Through devising of clear graduation goals that are frequently

revisited (ASCA, 2012), school counselors can work with students experiencing

homelessness to attenuate anxiety and instill a sense of direction. The findings of this

study, reiterate the importance of preparing students experiencing homelessness to be

career and college ready. As implied by the participants’ responses, school counselors

must help students access funding for college entrance tests, test preparation programs,

test fees and college applications, as well as educate students and parents on financial
 29

aid options. Providing this information may require educators and other service

providers to connect with parents in the community settings, such as shelters, so they

can learn the steps students should take in order to be prepared for post-secondary

planning. Given the multitude of financial and academic steps needed to enhance post-

secondary vocational and college options, school counselors should begin planning

early in students’ academic career.

Finally, increasing knowledge of policies, agencies and supportive services within

the community and school is imperative when assisting families. For instance, school

counselors must have knowledge on the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act,

which addresses the enrollment and transportation needs of students experiencing

homelessness, as well as other barriers they may face (U.S. Department of Education,

2004). Moreover, providing families and children with tangible resources they can use at

their disposal will help them to become empowered and determine how to get their

needs met.

Future Research

Taking into account all of the identified needs and implied services for school

counselors and service providers to satisfy these concerns, further research would

elucidate more specific interventions to implement in the school setting. Although some

studies have indicated the effectiveness of counseling and academic interventions with

students experiencing homelessness (Baggerly & Borkowski, 2004; Grothaus et al.,

2011), further research with larger samples of students and varying locations and levels

is needed. More specifically, the impact of individual, small group, and large group

interventions, as well as community-based partnerships is necessary to ensure best

 30

practices for supporting students experiencing homelessness. Further, investigation into

the career and college preparation for students experiencing homelessness is

warranted, as well as gaining students’ perspectives on their needs.

Limitations

Limitations of this study include the inability to member check as the anonymity

of the responses prevented the researchers from contacting the participants. Further, an

inability to use multiple measures of data as replication and affirmation of participant

responses was also a limitation as the researchers were unable to contact the

participants post-study (Creswell, 2005). This study also lacks understanding of the

context of the school and there was no ability for the researchers to build relationships

with the participants (Heppner et al., 1999).

Furthermore, the wording of the open-ended survey question could also

confound the findings of the research. The question specifically asked participants to

respond to the academic, personal/social, and career planning needs of students

experiencing homelessness. This question may have guided participant responses, as

well as provided structure for the thematic analysis. However, this design was

intentional because researchers wanted to ensure responses were aligned with the role

of the school counselor, according to the ASCA National Model.

Conclusions

Although there are limitations for this study, the large participant size for

qualitative data analysis represents a prominent strength. Considering that few studies

explore school counselors’ perspective of the needs of students experiencing

homelessness, this study offers a unique lens with which to better identify the
 31

educational and emotional needs of this population. Stakeholders who have a more

attuned understanding of the needs of these students will be more capable of

implementing developmentally appropriate and efficacious interventions to address

these needs. Moreover, the findings can not only inform therapeutic and academic

practices but can also improve services at the community level, potentiating the

possibility for more accessible, affordable, and equitable interventions to meet these

needs. This study provides an initial framework for systemic and multi-level intervention

as service providers attempt to collaboratively address the identified needs of students

experiencing homelessness.
 32

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