TABLE 2.

Overview of themes.

Example quote	Initial codes	Subthemes	Themes
“I had been paying for everything for 10 years. Now I get laid off. And I went against the landlord rules, so [my girlfriend] and daughter could live with me... And you thought that person cared? Nope, that person has a place to live. Not me.” [Clark] “Then I was living with my son and his girlfriend, and she start to go do stupid stuff, and I get blamed for that. That’s when my son takes it out on me. And I get into a fight. So that’s how come I end up where I’m at.” [Sandy] “I’ll tell you honestly, the last shelter wasn’t even close to this one. This one, it’s like you’re living in a hotel. You’re living in a hotel, but with your own room. You got the key to go in and out as you feel free.” [Kevin]	Eviction Lost my job No better alternatives Not technically homeless Relationships that went wrong Nothing helped Other organizations	Perceived causes of homelessness What could have helped Referral source	Autonomy
“He [case manager] is helping me out with looking for a job and getting my ID and birth certificate and stuff situated. Everything’s cool here. Ain’t got no confrontation here, so I don’t get into no trouble or anything. And I just like the quality. I just like the services...everything about it.” [Nigel] “Luckily, at this location, all of my appointments are [close], and the subway is right across the street. I ride one stop, get off, and catch the bus. Five stops. I get off and I’m right at the hospital. And all my doctors’ appointments are right in that complex.” [Matt]	Case manager services Nursing services Differences with other shelters Access to quality food Helping apply for housing Finding a job Identity services Transportation Coordination of care Location of the Haven COVID Medical complexity Mental health Sleep Substance use	Support services at the Haven Differences with other shelters Medical problems Healthcare use	Supportive environments
“The other way I got to pick it, you know what I mean? I could pick where I wanted live before I drove and stuff. And now I don’t have that option and I’ve gone to five or six places, and nobody would accept my background check.” [Ken] “I would like to write a letter and send it to the mayor and the governor about here, and I need somebody to help me do it. I’m not good at spelling that good, so I would like somebody to help me write that to let them know how good it is here.” [Donna]	Current and future needs No one helps me Issues with housing policies Curfew Smoking room	The Haven closing Problems and concerns at the Haven Ongoing or unmet needs	Stability and the need for permanent housing