This article reflects on the contribution of qualitative longitudinal research (QLR) to understandings of homeless peoples’ experiences of support service interventions in an era of austerity in the UK. It brings into ‘analytic conversation’ data from qualitative longitudinal evaluations of homeless support projects operated by voluntary sector organisations in Scotland. With fieldwork spanning 2014-2019, the analysis expands the analytical potential of pooling small-scale studies through an interrogation of individuals’ ‘journeys’ through homelessness services and their rough path to ‘home’. By reflecting on our substantive findings, the article explores the added value and challenges of a longitudinal approach. It concludes that while QLR can deliver deep insight into lives lived by vulnerable populations and potentially reduce the distance between policy makers and those affected, its benefits must be balanced against pragmatism and the ethical responsibilities associated with the method.

中文翻译：

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绘制通往“家”的艰难旅程：定性纵向研究对理解紧缩中无家可归者的贡献

本文反映了定性纵向研究 (QLR) 对了解英国紧缩时代无家可归者支持服务干预经验的贡献。它从苏格兰志愿部门组织运营的无家可归者支持项目的定性纵向评估中引入“分析对话”数据。通过 2014 年至 2019 年的实地调查，该分析通过询问个人通过无家可归服务的“旅程”及其通往“家”的崎岖道路，扩大了汇集小规模研究的分析潜力。通过反思我们的实质性发现，本文探讨了纵向方法的附加价值和挑战。