When a house is not a home: exploring the meaning of shelter among chronically homeless older men.

This study explored the world of 35 chronically homeless older men in downtown Seattle, with special attention to their experience of shelter and its effect on health-seeking behavior. We found that their experience of shelter is intertwined with their perceptions of self and use of alcohol. For many, the public shelter provides safety, support, community, and an opportunity to regain sobriety--attributes of shelter often unattainable in single-room occupancy hotels--but only temporarily.