Women Leaders in Housing and Their Role in Human Services

Abstract

The field of Housing is growing and quickly becoming a vital focus in the human services profession, particularly for individual and community well-being. Housing and housing instability affect physical health, mental health, economic security, and social engagement; housing instability and homelessness can have a variety of negative consequences for vulnerable people. Housing groups are increasingly serving as providers of shelter, providing services to meet the social, emotional, and economic needs of their clients. This paper explores the presence of women leaders in housing organizations and their impact on supporting individuals and families experiencing housing instability and/or homelessness, as well as the additional barriers and opportunities that may exist for women in these roles. The topic of housing as a social determinant of health is discussed, and how housing instability impacts mental health, wellbeing, and quality of life is explored. Special consideration is given to vulnerable groups, including low-income households, female-headed households, older people, young homeless people, and people with severe mental health conditions. The paper also discusses advocacy, cross-system partnerships, community engagement, and the adoption of recovery-oriented practices to support housing stability and outcomes. Women's leadership is featured as a significant role, facilitating services, fostering collaboration across services, and championing fair housing. The results indicate that effective leadership of housing groups is an important factor in enhancing community well-being and the overall goals of Human Services. Women's leadership is critical to the advocacy and partnership-building needed to reduce inequities in housing, benefit those at risk, and improve service systems. The need for effective leadership, integrated services, and equitable housing policies will remain important as housing challenges evolve. Women leaders play a critical role in advancing social justice, improving housing stability, and strengthening community resilience through leadership in housing and human services.

Year Manuscript Completed

Summer 2026

Senior Project Advisor

Dr. Tricia Jordan

Degree Awarded

Bachelor of Integrated Studies Degree

Field of Study

Human Services

Document Type

Thesis

This document is currently not available here.

  Contact Author

Share

COinS