Faculty Mentor: Jeff Rose (Parks, Recreation, & Tourism); Graduate Student Mentor: Sasha Mader (Parks, Recreation, & Tourism)

Introduction

Homelessness is an increasing and intricate social issue in the United States (Williams, 2017). This study conceptualizes experiencing homelessness as lacking a fixed, regular, or adequate nighttime residence in alignment with the definition put forth by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA, 2018). Unsheltered homelessness is characterized by experiences in which the individual seeks refuge in places not meant for human habitation, including parks, benches, sidewalks, public spaces, cars, and exposed on the street (SAMSHA, 2018). Individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness are the most vulnerable to threats to their health and well-being, especially those brought on by extreme environmental conditions like extreme heat, extreme cold, and poor air quality (Kidd et al., 2020), and often suffer increased incidences of infectious disease, chronic disease, and poor mental health outcomes (O’Connell, 2005). The Salt Lake Valley in Utah presents unique environmental challenges due to its potential for experiencing extreme weather conditions and increasingly poor air quality (Whiteman et al., 2014).

Health outcomes associated with homelessness and exposure to extreme environmental conditions are especially relevant for youth experiencing homelessness, who often lack access to financial and emotional resources (Klein et al., 2000; Edidin et al., 2011) and must overcome exorbitant costs, discriminatory service, and missing documentation (Kulik et al., 2011; Klein et al., 2000). Youth experiencing homelessness may be reluctant to seek support, which may hinder their path to relieving the complexity of their housing situation (Chang et al., 2018). Having a marginalized identity, like being a youth who identifies as LGBTQ+, increases the likelihood of experiencing homelessness and adds a layer of vulnerability to poor physical and mental health outcomes (The Trevor Project, 2022). Such outcomes, like suicidal ideations, may be increased by extreme environmental conditions (Shoib et al., 2023).

Research Design

We developed an exploratory qualitative research design to help deepen our understanding of how LGBTQ+ youth who are experiencing homelessness may be affected by extreme environmental conditions. Using a semi-structured interview protocol, this study aims to investigate how LGBTQ+ youth who are experiencing homelessness cope with extreme environmental conditions, including extreme heat, extreme cold, and poor air quality. Voluntary participants who are between the ages of 18-25, identify as LGBTQ+, and are experiencing homelessness will be recruited through the Youth Resource Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Participant’s narratives will be analyzed using Atlast.ti, and the transcripts will be deductively coded to identify themes related to their experiences in coping with extreme environmental conditions. No data has been collected yet as our IRB (ID: IRB_00179709) application is pending approval.