Date of Award
5-2018
Degree Type
Research Paper
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Community Development and Planning (CDP)
Department
International Development, Community and Environment
Chief Instructor
Kathryn Madden
Second Reader
Anita Fabos
Keywords
Refugee, housing, Worcester, affordable
Abstract
This study utilizes basic indicators captured from refugee case files at Ascentria, a local resettlement agency, to explore the barriers to housing stability refugees face in the 90-day resettlement process. By piecing together raw data with insight from the data collection process, this research centers refugee households, housing, and the reporting process to answer the question “in what ways can the reporting process better serve resettled refugees in their ability to maintain housing in Worcester?” Looking at how country of birth, household size, and employment eligibility affects refugee households, this research turns to the complexity of housing stability in terms of employment, finances, and housing makeup to demonstrate the nuances of securing and sustaining housing during refugee’s resettlement. The final section on the reporting process delves into standardized forms used to relay information about a refugee’s case, and how captured or lost information affects an overall understanding of refugees and housing. This informs the final recommendations of the research, which focuses on adaptability in the face of the uncertain future of refugee resettlement agencies, expansion of the agency’s circle of partners, integration, and reporting consistency protocols to address how Ascentria’s reporting process can best serve their clients’ housing needs.
Recommended Citation
Weilbacher, Molly, "Refugee Case Files as an Indicator of Housing Needs" (2018). Sustainability and Social Justice. 217.
https://commons.clarku.edu/idce_masters_papers/217
Worcester
Yes
