“I Don’t Want to Pass Away Like This”: A Qualitative Study of the Goals and Needs of People Experiencing Homelessness in Tucson, Arizona

Background: Homelessness in the United States is growing and has serious implications for the health and well-being of individuals and communities. The purpose of this study is to share the self-identified goals and needs of people experiencing homelessness in a Southwestern city in the United States. Methods: We undertook secondary data analysis of qualitative responses (n = 169) to a questionnaire that was part of a 2023 needs assessment of adults experiencing homelessness in Tucson, Arizona. Using inductive applied thematic analysis, qualitative data were transcribed, coded, and organized into themes. Results: Five themes emerged from the data analysis: (1) people do not want to be homeless, they want stability, and they are willing to work for it; (2) relationships are an important driver of goals; (3) barriers at the individual and interpersonal levels are diverse and individualized; (4) stigma and discrimination hinder exits from homelessness, and (5) hope and despair are both common. Conclusion: Participants experiencing homelessness overwhelmingly articulated the desire to be housed, employed, reconnect with family, and generally have stability in their lives. These findings provide a direct contradiction to the narrative that people who are homeless choose homelessness or do not want to work to change their circumstances.