Research examining the process of becoming unhoused has identified the collapse of personal relationships as the final stage before a person becomes unhoused, with one of the main causes being the individual engaging in substance misuse and alcoholism that leads to the destruction of supportive relationships (Mabhala et al., 2017). When examining homelessness, mental illness and substance use disorder from an occupational perspective, research has shown the negative impacts these experiences and conditions have on a person’s ability to maintain healthy roles and routines, engage in healthy social participation, and perform their essential activities of daily living (ADL’s) (Wasmuth et al, 2014; Rojo-Mota et al., 2017). Instead of engaging in meaningful self-care, leisure, and/or social participation, individuals within this population commonly spend their days experiencing boredom that detrimentally impacts their mental health and well-being with substance use becoming a part of their daily habits, roles, and routines.
Through an action research approach, an occupation-based recovery program was developed, implemented and evaluated to promote health, wellness, and quality of life for individuals experiencing homelessness who were also experiencing substance misuse and co-occurring mental illnesses. Objectives of this program included developing recovery action plans, weekly education modules, social support, and leisure exploration opportunities. Results demonstrated improvements in health, wellness, and quality of life, as clients re-established meaningful roles and routines using self-directed recovery plans. Expanding future programs with skills training and outpatient services could further support recovery and aid transitions from inpatient care to community reintegration.