Sound Families Evaluation Report Provides Lessons on Hardest Cases

Several main factors caused 25 percent of families to be asked to leave our Sound Families transitional housing program according to a report by the University of Washington School of Social Work.

The report details that the leading factors contributing to eviction included:

• A history of trauma, mental illness, or substance abuse.
• A lack of support networks, education, and income.
• The negative influence of old relationships.

The report also found that:

• Only 16 percent of these families were able to secure permanent housing.
• 38 percent moved in with family or friends.
• 15 percent entered inpatient treatment programs, returned to emergency shelters, or entered another transitional program.
• The needs of families struggling with mental illness and chemical dependency often exceeded the capacity of what programs could provide.

About the Report
Title: Early Exits: Lessons Learned from Families Asked to Leave Transitional Housing Programs
Prepared By: University of Washington School of Social Work
Date Published: April 2007