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E-Poster

Community Organization and Social Administration

Word choice matters: A survey of homeless services

This study examines how language influences public perceptions of homeless services in a small Mountain West town. Using resource center vs. shelter to describe the same facility, findings show resource center elicits more positive responses. Results highlight the importance of terminology in shaping support for homelessness interventions and policy decisions.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this session, attendees should be able to:
  1. Attendees will assess how terminology (e.g., resource center vs. shelter) influences public attitudes, policy support, and service engagement in homelessness interventions.
  2. Attendees will explore the role of stakeholder collaboration in designing and conducting research on social service perceptions.
  3. Attendees will identify how research findings can inform policy decisions, funding strategies, and advocacy efforts to enhance public support for homeless services.