Exploring the bounds of consumer choice in supported housing: A reflexive thematic analysis of data generated from supportive housing tenants in British Columbia, Canada

TL;DR

This study explores how well supported housing models in British Columbia align with the principle of consumer choice, finding that tenants often experience constrained choices.

Contribution

The study introduces a critical analysis of consumer choice in supported housing through reflexive thematic analysis of tenant interviews.

Findings

Themes from tenant interviews suggest consumer choice is often constrained in supported housing.

The study highlights a mismatch between the theoretical emphasis on consumer choice and its practical application.

Recommendations are made to improve the scope and exercise of consumer choice in housing programs.

Abstract

Consumer choice is a key principle in Housing First and supported housing models. Through the provision of permanent housing and individualized supports, these models promote an empowerment and recovery-oriented approach that advances individual self-determination and overall wellbeing. The purpose of this study is to explore housing tenants’ experiences, with, and perspectives of, complex care and supportive housing models in British Columbia (BC), Canada to understand how well these models align conceptually with the notion of consumer choice. Viewed through a critical theoretical framework and applying a reflexive thematic analysis to interview data generated from housing tenants in BC, we constructed several themes that spoke directly or indirectly to dimensions of consumer choice. The essence of ‘constrained choice’ in these data suggest that the underlying components of consumer choice may be infrequently practiced in complex care and supportive housing programs in BC. Given the importance of consumer choice in improving the quality of life and wellbeing of supported housing tenants, work is necessary to broaden its scope and exercise in these contexts.