How are people empowered to help a homeless relative?

The purpose of this research is to understand variations in caregiver empowerment and satisfaction using a sample of people who have a homeless relative. Data analyses test four hypotheses, developed from theories and research on caregiver stress. Multivariate regression analyses of data from 118 interviewees largely support the hypotheses. Results show that empowerment is significantly higher among people with a homeless relative who experience less caregiver burden, receive more helpful social support, have greater faith in others, and report more success getting help and care for their family, including their homeless relative. More satisfied caregivers experience significantly fewer feelings of stigmatization and greater faith in other people, while their homeless relative receives more extensive social support, more help, and more health care. Caregiver satisfaction is also higher among empowered people from smaller households who help their homeless relatives with daily activities. These findings complement research on both homelessness and caregiving, showing that help is necessary and empowering for both homeless individuals and for their family caregivers. This research suggests that socially supportive interventions and policies can educate and empower people who care for a homeless relative, helping increase caregiver satisfaction and strengthening family support to reduce the problems of homelessness.