Epidemiology of Homeless

A study completed by Folsom (2005), shows a correlation between homelessness and untreated mental health issues in the United States. The research suggests that approximately one-third of the homeless population has a significant mental health diagnosis such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression. Mental health issues can impact anyone. However, those who remain untreated and have additional risk factors such as lower socioeconomic conditions or substance abuse issues are more likely to become homeless. The research also suggests that men have a higher rate of homelessness than women. In particular, African American men have a higher rate of homelessness than those from other ethnic backgrounds. Veterans are also at-risk for mental health issues that may lead to

Homelessness as a result of deinstitutionalization in the US increased dramatically, tripling in 182 cities over the court of the 1980s (Bagenstos, 2012). In addition, mental health and substance abuse is a major problem in across the country because of homelessness. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration,20 to 25% of the homeless population in the United States suffers from some form of severe mental illness (DMHAS, 2014). Consequently, mental illnesses disrupt people’s ability to carry out key aspects of daily life, such as self-care and household responsibilities. As a result of these factors and the stresses of living with a mental disorder, people with mentally illnesses are much more likely to become homeless than the general population (Karger, & Stoesz, 2014). Even if homeless individuals with mental illnesses are provided with housing, they are unlikely to achieve residential stability and remain off the streets unless they have access to continued treatment and services. In Connecticut there are a number of housing options that are in place like supportive housing. Research has shown that supported housing is effective for people with mental illnesses (DMHAS, 2014). Unfortunately, in Connecticut, lack of funding is a significant barrier to the successful implementation of supported housing programs. Because of homelessness people cycle between street corner, jail cell and hospital beds, in addition the homeless who are

The majority of homeless veterans have service connected disabilities that are a direct result of military service; this contributes to a high risk of homelessness among veterans. Unique military skills that are non-essential in the civilian sector, combat related health issues, fractured family relationships and the lack of affordable housing are other factors. Many of them lack a social support network and/or someone to assist them with getting assistance from the government. They may be unaware of the different services they require and are

According to the 2012 Annual Homeless Assessment Report released by the Departments of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), an estimated 62,619 veterans were homeless on any given night in 2012. The good news is that the estimate represents a 7.2 percent decline from the 2011 estimate and a 17.2 percent decline compared to the 2009 estimate ("Veterans," 2013). Although progress is being made, there is much to be done. There are veterans with the same needs as the general homeless population, but also veterans with severe physical and mental health disabilities, related to their service, that necessitate permanent housing with supportive services.

Metraux, Stephen, et al. "Risk Factors for Becoming Homeless among A Cohort of Veterans Who Served in the Era of The Iraq And Afghanistan Conflicts. “American Journal of Public Health 103.S2 (2013): S255-S261. SPORT Discus with Full Text. Web. 20 Nov.

The problems of homelessness and mental illness are inextricably intertwined. One way that mental illness impacts people's lives is that it oftentimes renders them unable to carry out the functions of daily life, such as keeping a job, paying their bills, and managing a household. In addition to disrupting the events of daily life, mental illness "may also prevent people from forming and maintaining stable relationships or cause people to misinterpret others' guidance and react irrationally" (National Coalition for the Homeless, 2009). What this means is that a population that is already vulnerable because of an inability to consistently manage self-care lacks the same safety net as much of the rest of society.

1. In your text on pages 208-209, the author discusses his research on the homeless population. He refers to the many routes one can take to become homeless. Choose two populations from his list that you think might work in your career as a human service professional. Describe two possible interventions or tasks that you might be involved with in working with each population. What are some of the general skills a human services professional might need to work with these populations?

The purpose of this paper is to discuss current health issues among the homeless population. The paper will also explore the reasons behind homelessness and the society’s perception. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless an individual experiencing homelessness fall into one of the three categories such as, chronic, transitional or episodic homelessness. Medicine or treatment for homeless individuals seeking medical attention, are not as accessible compared to non-homeless individuals due to the culture and rough life style. Neglecting proper housing and health care to underprivileged people is inhumane and increases the homeless population.

How often have you stepped out of your house or work and witnessed someone begging for food or money? How many times do you pull up to a stoplight or an on/off ramp to a highway and see someone that seems to be at their lowest? We all have seen this at least once in our lives but I would venture to say it has been many more times than that. Often times these individuals are homeless and searching for ways of how they are going to feed themselves or their families. Homelessness is an epidemic in the United States and it is a devastating social problem.

The term to describe the homeless may have changed over time, however the issue of housing insecurity has remained for some Americans throughout history (Kusmer, 2001). Although the homeless population has always maintained in the United States, homelessness became a national issue in 1870 with the emergence of the “tramp”: these were men that banded together, rode trains illegally and had negative interactions with law enforcement (2001). The movement of the homeless from location to location changed after World War II, and after the 1940s the homeless were typically confined to urban areas (2001). This urbanization of the homeless population continued throughout the remainder of the century.

The homeless older population is a big growing issue, which I agree with you on that there needs to more services to help. The population is growing due to the lifespan is growing. This is great news or a truly a blessing from God so we can spend more time with our love ones. There are many factors that affect this population but one that is big that is impacting the older population is the economy. This is some of the reasons why the older population is becoming homeless. America economy went down hill a few years ago with many older adults losing their jobs, some were let go without their retirement, or forced to take early retirement (Martin, 2014). It is hard for to people to even live off their retirement due to the high living

Some background information on the prevalence of and risk factors for the homeless population, origins and consequences of homelessness, prevention and treatment strategies, and other considerations will be presented.

Many homeless individuals develop health issues after becoming homeless. A study conducted by a team of physicians in New York examined the health status of individuals newly admitted into homeless shelters. These physicians discovered that 60% of individuals had a medical complaint (Caton et al., 2011). A portion of these medical complaints were due to diseases and disorders attained from unsanitary and unstable living conditions. These diseases can include communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis (TB). The same study concluded that more than half of TB cases were a result of becoming infected by others, rather than reactivation of latent TB (Caton et al., 2011). An individual may contract TB, but the bacteria may fall into a dormant, harmless

Some veterans suffer from a mental illness known as PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) when they do not seek medical help they have a higher risk of becoming homeless then those that seek medical advice. This disorder was caused by something that the military veteran experienced while in active duty during war.

Currently in Nevada, there has been a mass increase in the amount of homeless minors that roam the streets. Many of these minors are homeless due to the tragic event of losing their families or being rejected and abandoned by their loved ones. The problem with having minors on the streets is not only the reputation of this state, but mostly the future of these minors. Being homeless denies these minors sufficient amounts of resources for them to get further in life; without enough resources it causes the teens to do deviant acts such a committing robbery.