What Makes Intentional Unidirectional Peer Support for Homeless People Work? An Exploratory Analysis Based on Clients’ and Peer Workers’ Perceptions

Homeless people are increasingly supported by peer workers in one-on-one mentorship relations, called intentional unidirectional peer support (IUPS). Intentional unidirectional peer support refers to “a formalized mentorship type of peer intervention where the peer is clearly more advanced and is mentoring the client in an organized fashion” (Barker et al., 2020).

Research investigating the effectiveness of IUPS within homeless populations is scarce (Barker & Maguire, 2017; Faulkner & Basset, 2012). Insight is therefore needed into the application and outcomes of IUPS for this vulnerable population.

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