Final answer:
The studies by Fettiplace Hackney showed high housing retention and quality-of-life improvements among the clients, but also increased stress and continuous mental and physical health issues compared to the general population. They highlighted ongoing stigma issues despite the clients' housed status. The findings are instrumental for informing policies on health and homelessness.
Step-by-step explanation:
The studies by Fettiplace Hackney revealed important outcomes concerning housing retention and the wellbeing of clients in housing programs. The first-year evaluation of their study indicated high housing retention with 97% of clients not returning to homelessness. Clients also saw improvements in physical health and a reduction in exposure to violence/trauma. However, the studies highlighted ongoing challenges such as increased stress levels among clients, and both mental and physical health that remained worse than that of the general public.
Despite improvements in living conditions, the studies also found that clients continued to face considerable stigma. While the first study suggested that interpersonal stigma had decreased with their new housed status, the pain of previous treatment lingered. The second study brought forth a macro-level perspective of stigma, with clients discussing negative stereotypes and attitudes from the media, local policies, and community perceptions. Ultimately, the findings from these studies aimed to address and advocate against the stigma faced by the homeless community.
Implications for Policy
The data and results from these studies hold significant implications for policymakers and organizations focused on health, homelessness, and social welfare. They provide an evidence base for potential interventions and programs aiming to improve quality of life and reduce health disparities. Accordingly, effective policymaking can benefit from a focus on these critical areas to create systemic change and support vulnerable populations.