"You Get More Training to Drive a Car": Examining the Parenting Experiences and Service Needs of Nonresident Fathers Who Are Experiencing Homelessness

Rising attention has been given to the plight of low-income, nonresident fathers. Much of this work has focused on strategies to support increased and improved paternal engagement. Researchers have identified several barriers to engagement, recently finding that nearly a quarter of low-income nonresident fathers experience housing insecurity within the first 9 years of their children's lives. Understanding the parenting experiences and service needs of nonresident fathers who are experiencing housing instability from the perspective of these men is important for decreasing noted barriers to engagement. The current study examines the issue of fathering while experiencing homelessness from the perspective of 25 fathers. Deductive and inductive thematic analysis was used to analyze individual interview and focus group data. Findings cluster about 3 themes related to paternal identity, participation in father-related programming, and additional service needs. These data highlight experiences with conflicting ideals as fathers take pride in their paternal roles while also being negatively impacted by their housing status and inability to provide financially for their children. Participants expressed a general interest in fatherhood programs, as they could be a source for peer support and parenting education. However, fathers also addressed needs for tangible supports to improve their capacity to effectively parent. Implications for future research and program development are discussed. Public Significance Statement Nonresident fathers who are experiencing homelessness need services that emphasize diverse roles of fatherhood including financial, emotional, and physical involvement. Participation in such programs may help fathers adopt positive perceptions of their ability to parent and thus increase their involvement with their children.