MIXED METHODS ASSESSMENT EXPLORING THE FINANCIAL HEALTH AND LEVEL OF RESILIENCE IN HOUSING COUNSELING CLIENTELE POST EXPERIENCEByErica Anne TobeThe United States (US) economy experienced the Great Recession from December 2007 through June 2009. During this time, significant job loss and housing instability occurred, creating stress and strain on families. As a support, housing counseling agencies were funded to provide foreclosure counseling and prevention services to support families through the crisis. However, after a family receives services and a client outcome is reached, the practitioner/client relationship stops. Little is known about the coping processes of families during this unique transition back into the economic mainstream. Using life course, family stress, and family resilience as a theoretical framework, this dissertation explores family coping processes from a strengths based perspective to identify the appropriate strategies to support struggling families. The first manuscript presents the results of a mixed methods assessment. First, the quantitative component of the study highlights the demographic and economic characteristics of 300 past clients from a midwestern housing counseling organization. Findings reveal the primary reason for service as income reduction. Not surprisingly, when compared to the participants in the non-income reduction group, participants who experienced job loss or a loss in wages were at higher risk for financial distress, exhibiting higher consumer debt, housing costs, and overall total debt. A regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between financial indicators and demographic characteristics specifically for participants within the income reduction group. Findings identified a relationship between select financial indicators and demographic characteristics. Age, income, and marital status were found to be significant predictors of key financial indicators for participants seeking service for income reduction. Using a family resilience framework, the qualitative component used Seidman's (2013) three-stage interview protocol to conduct a series of three semi-structured interviews with four study participants from the quantitative data set. Two key informant interviews also were completed. Findings revealed the importance of key protective factors as coping strategies after crisis such as the role of family, the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, the role of faith, and the importance of income supports. Collectively, this research recognizes the need for understanding a client's reason for service and age so that situation appropriate interventions can be applied. Findings also revealed the influence of a secure income on maintaining financial self-sufficiency and the importance of family support as a coping strategy for families.A second manuscript using the same qualitative interview data was prepared to support this audience. Findings revealed the importance of understanding the unique experience of families after receiving housing services and identifying situation appropriate information and support to aid struggling families after crisis. Strategies and interventions applicable to practitioners such as human service professionals, lenders, employers, and policymakers have been generated and inform interventions, policy, and community outreach priorities.
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