Homelessness
Homelessness is the condition of not having stable housing. Homelessness significantly impacts health behaviors and outcomes. It is associated with:
- Worsening chronic medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease
- Increased rates of infectious disease[,]
- Increased risk for traumatic brain injury[]
- Increased poor mental health[]
- Increased risk for developing a substance use disorder[]
- Increased risk for experiencing violence, especially among women[]
- Increases behavior problems, higher stress levels, and disrupted education[]
- Higher levels of early mortality[]
There are several factors that drive homelessness in the first place. Some of the most common causes of homelessness include:[,]
- Unemployment and underemployment[]
- Declining wages, gaps in welfare policies , and poverty[]
- Insufficient affordable housing stock and space in emergency shelters
- Recent eviction
- Interpersonal or domestic violence and limited financial or social support[]
- Preexisting health conditions can lead to high healthcare costs. These costs can lead to bankruptcy or failure to pay for housing.
- Previous mental health or substance abuse disorders. These can made worse by the stress of homelessness and interruptions in care[]
- History of Incarceration
- Youth who have been kicked out or age out of home or foster care. This is particularly an issue among LGBTQIA+ youth.
In your community, it is important to understand how many people are housing insecure. It is also important to understand how many people experience homelessness.
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