Homelessness is a continuously growing crisis within the United States (HUD, 2024). Homeless individuals are denied access to meaningful daily activities, as the social and economic barriers they face prevent them from participating in areas of occupation, including education, employment, leisure, and socialization (Lloyd & Bassett, 2012).
Participation in meaningful activities disrupts the cycle of homelessness and social isolation, while promoting community engagement (Thomas et al., 2011b). Occupational therapy practitioners work with populations who face challenges with engagement in meaningful occupations due to poverty, homelessness, displacement, and discrimination (AOTA, 2020). OT’s role in homelessness is an emerging area of practice and OTPs have unique expertise in vocational assessment and rehabilitation, which is vital to promoting occupational justice and social inclusion for individuals in this population (Thomas et al., 2011a).
A Vocational Arts Program was designed utilizing free-trade principles to support individuals through the implementation of group sessions that allowed them to create artwork to be sold at public events. This allowed them to earn a small profit and increase their social capital within the community. The objective of this program was to improve participants’ mental health and overall quality of life, while simultaneously promoting their participation in healthy social and leisure-based activities. Engaging in the program also enabled participants to express themselves creatively within a supportive environment, leading to improved self-esteem and self-confidence. Job-related skills were also developed, which assisted in developing pathways to potential employment and fostered a sense of purpose and established routine within their daily lives.