Psychometric validation of the Homelessness Star
Abstract
This article examines the psychometric properties of the Homelessness Star, a widely used keywork and outcome measurement tool developed for homelessness services but often used in the context of more generic complex needs. The Homelessness Star was the first version of the Outcomes Star, a suite of more than 30 tools tailored to specific service users and contexts. In this study, routinely collected Homelessness Star data was provided by UK women’s centers offering holistic support to women involved with, or at risk of involvement with the criminal justice system. The analyses included assessing factor structure, internal consistency, item-redundancy, (N = 1703), responsiveness (n = 1307) and predictive validity (n = 175) of the Homelessness Star. A unidimensional factor structure was found with good internal consistency, no item redundancy, and an average effect size of r = .38 across outcome areas (range .28 to .44). Higher initial Homelessness Star readings were associated with later accommodation and employment status as well as a greater likelihood of attending education and training. Greater change in the Managing tenancy and accommodation outcome area was also associated with being more likely to transition from being homeless to having housing. These findings support the validity and reliability of the Homelessness Star as an outcomes measurement tool.