Research indicates that individuals experiencing homelessness and those who were recently housed following homelessness (housed within 1-21 months) experience higher levels of boredom, decreased meaningful activity, and lower community belonging, compared to people who have been housed. Higher reported boredom can lead to increased drug use and hopelessness, as well as lower mental well-being.

The proposed research project would use storytelling and personal narratives to help uncover meaning and identify opportunities to increase meaningful activity among a population of people experiencing chronic homelessness and/or those recently housed through Windsor-Essex Housing Connections, the local Housing First strategy.