Journal of Nursing & Care

Sheltering Aboriginal Women with Mental Illness in Ontario, Canada: Being "Kicked" and Nurtured

Abstract

Phyllis Montgomery, Sarah Benbow, Laura Hall, Denise Newton-Mathur, Cheryl Forchuk and Sharolyn Mossey

Objective: For individuals living with mental health challenges, the provision of homeless shelters can offer a temporary respite in overwhelming life circumstances. There is, however, limited evidence regarding the subjective experiences associated with shelter services by Aboriginal women in Canada. The purpose of this study was to develop an understanding of the day-to-day experiences of Aboriginal women as they seek and provide safety, comfort, health, and healing in the context of mental illness and insecure housing. Methods: The study design was a secondary qualitative analysis of data collected in a primary mixed method study involving persons faced with mental health and housing challenges in southern Ontario, Canada. Narrative analysis was used to identify common experiences among 11 shelter service users and 10 shelter service providers, all of whom where Aboriginal women. Results: Regardless of whether the women received or provided shelter services, they consistently described experiences about being “kicked” and nurtured. Their stories about being “kicked” described experiences associated with compounding losses. Juxtaposed to this reality, were accounts about being nurtured or “lifting each other up.” Nurturing relations were essential to address the pervasive health and social disparities experienced by the women. Relationships within homeless shelters were directed towards supporting the health and well-being of individual women and their broader community. Conclusion: This study’s findings extend the community mental health body of nursing literature regarding Aboriginal women living with mental illness and homelessness. Despite the protective and restorative components of nurturing within shelter services, cooperative networks need to be developed to build communities that eradicate the pervasive losses experienced by Aboriginal women who continue to be “kicked.”