College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

Spring 6-13-2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Molly Brown, PhD

Second Advisor

Nyssa Snow-Hill, PhD

Abstract

Single-Room Occupancy (SRO) housing is among the most affordable private market housing options and serves tenants who often have multiple oppressed identities, including economic marginalization, carceral histories, and disabling conditions. However, SRO buildings are often sold for redevelopment, displacing tenants with few alternative housing options and at risk of homelessness. Research suggests that multiple ecological factors, such as prior housing instability, predict future homelessness, which may be compounded for individuals with oppressed identities. Thus, the current study explores the housing histories and identities of displaced SRO tenants to understand their vulnerability to post-displacement homelessness. Seventeen participants who were displaced from four Chicago SROs engaged in a qualitative interview. Data relevant to their housing history and social identities were selected for thematic analysis. Tenant interviews yielded the following major themes: (a) carceral settings; (b) housing instability, including subthemes regarding eviction and displacement, housing insecurity, and history of homelessness; (c) transitions into housing, which included subthemes related to exiting homelessness and placement through external programs; (d) private market apartment or house; and (e) previous SRO, including subthemes regarding negative experiences with building administration, poor building conditions, and relationships with neighbors. The results suggest SRO tenants face multiple ecological risk factors for homelessness after displacement from SRO housing. Findings highlight the need for SRO preservation as well as the expansion and better implementation of affordable housing services for economically marginalized tenants.

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