Graduate Exit Seminar - Tatiana Slesnick

Plan to join Tatiana Slesnick's graduate exit seminar on April 25, 2025, at 12:00 pm in Kottman Hall, Room 245. Tatiana will present, "Unseen and Unheard: Understanding the Environmental Injustices Faced by Youth Experiencing Homelessness"

Abstract: While existing research acknowledges the impact of environmental risks on adults experiencing homelessness, there is a notable absence of discussion on the distinct injustices faced by youth experiencing homelessness (YEH). Identified as a separate subpopulation of those experiencing homelessness, this exploratory case study in Columbus, Ohio sought to understand the unique environmental injustices faced by YEH. In particular, the environmental risks and injustices YEH identify as most prevalent in the context of their day-to-day life, and the impact of local policies and services on youths’ access to environmentally safe and just environments were investigated. Semi-structured interviews with youth (n = 15) were used to provide a nuanced understanding of the environmental challenges faced by youth and the consequences of the injustice on their mental and physical health. Additional interviews (n = 4) where conducted with one local policymaker and three stakeholders involved in homeless mitigation in Columbus, Ohio. These interviews helped to identify current policy initiatives aimed at mitigating the environmental injustice faced by YEH, the services available for the youth, and systemic barriers they face when accessing safe and healthy environments. The analytical approach for the current study applied grounded theory, as proposed by Strauss and Corbin (1998), which consisted of three coding phases (open coding, axial coding, and selective coding). The results revealed four significant environmental injustices faced by YEH in Columbus, Ohio: lack of access to sanitation facilities, inconsistent access to clean water, exposure to poor air quality, and extreme weather conditions.

Advisor: Dr. Ramiro Berardo