Differences Between Transitional and Supportive Housing

When it comes to finding suitable housing options for individuals and families facing homelessness or housing instability, health and human services organizations offer a range of solutions. Two common options are transitional housing and supportive housing. While these terms are often used interchangeably, there are important distinctions between them.

When determining the most appropriate housing solution for your clients, it is essential to consider their unique needs and circumstances. Transitional housing may be suitable for individuals who are capable of becoming self-sufficient within a defined timeframe, while supportive housing is more appropriate for those who require ongoing support to maintain stable housing.

By understanding the differences between transitional and supportive housing, health and human services organizations can better assess the needs of their clients and provide the most effective housing solutions for their long-term success.

Why Would Someone Need Housing Services?

Various factors can contribute to homelessness and the need for housing services. These include:

1. Lack of affordable housing: One of the primary reasons for homelessness is the scarcity of affordable housing options. Rising rental costs and limited availability of low-income housing can make it difficult for individuals and families to secure stable housing.

2. Financial instability: Many individuals and families experiencing homelessness struggle with financial instability, including low wages, unemployment, or inadequate government assistance. Insufficient income often makes it challenging to afford housing and other necessities.

3. Mental health issues: Mental health conditions can significantly impact a person’s ability to maintain stable housing. The lack of access to mental health services and support can contribute to housing instability or homelessness.

4. Substance abuse: Substance abuse issues and homelessness can be interconnected. The lack of effective treatment or support can make it challenging for individuals to overcome addiction and secure permanent housing.

5. Domestic violence: Victims of domestic violence may be forced to leave their homes quickly to escape a dangerous situation. They often require safe and supportive housing services to rebuild their lives and establish a secure living environment.

6. Systemic factors: Structural issues such as racism, discrimination, and poverty contribute to housing inequality and homelessness. These systemic factors disproportionately affect marginalized communities and can limit access to stable housing.

7. Natural disasters: In some scenarios, people may lose their homes due to natural disasters like flooding, fires, and other “acts of God.” These kinds of emergencies are largely unpredictable and can have devastating repercussions.

Housing services play a crucial role in addressing these underlying factors and providing support to individuals and families in need. And depending on each unique situation, case managers may recommend either transitional or supportive housing.

Differences Between Transitional and Supportive Housing

Transitional housing and supportive housing are two types of housing services that aim to address homelessness and provide individuals and families with different approaches to securing housing. While they share the common goal of helping people transition out of homelessness, there are some key differences between the two.

Definition of Transitional Housing

Transitional housing programs typically offer temporary residence to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. These programs have a specific time limit, usually ranging from a few months to a couple of years, during which time participants are provided with housing and supportive services. The focus of transitional housing is to assist individuals in developing the skills and resources necessary to move into permanent housing, such as life skills training, employment assistance, and access to community resources.

Types of Transitional Housing Services

Emergency Shelter

Emergency shelters provide immediate and short-term housing for homeless individuals and families. The purpose of emergency shelters is to offer a safe and temporary residence during times of crisis. Typically, the duration of stay in an emergency shelter is limited, ranging from a few nights to a couple of weeks.

Transitional Housing Programs

Transitional housing programs offer longer-term support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The purpose of these programs is to provide stable and supportive living environments, allowing residents to work towards finding permanent housing. The duration of stay in transitional housing can vary from a few months to up to two years, depending on individual needs and program guidelines.

Rapid Rehousing

Rapid rehousing programs aim to quickly move individuals and families from homelessness to permanent housing. These programs typically provide short-term rental assistance, along with case management and support services, to help individuals secure and maintain stable housing. The duration of rapid rehousing programs is typically limited to a few months.

Definition of Supportive Housing

On the other hand, supportive housing is a more sustainable long-term housing solution. These services may include access to healthcare, mental health support, substance abuse treatment, counseling, and hands-on case management. Supportive housing is designed to offer necessary support services to individuals who may have additional challenges that require ongoing attention, such as mental illness, disabilities, or other complex needs.

Types of Supportive Housing

Permanent Supportive Housing

Permanent supportive housing offers individuals and families long-term, affordable housing combined with on-site or off-site services that cater to the unique needs of each individual or family. These services may include access to healthcare, mental health support, substance abuse treatment, counseling, and hands-on case management. The duration of stay in permanent supportive housing is not time-limited.

Supportive Services Only

Supportive services-only programs provide supportive services without housing to people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The focus of these programs is to offer case management and other necessary support services that help individuals develop the skills and resources needed to secure permanent housing.

Each client is unique with distinct needs, and there is no straightforward, one-size-fits-all solution for helping clients find safe, suitable housing. A comprehensive, holistic approach that addresses underlying issues that contribute to homelessness is the best method for helping clients experience positive outcomes. By offering a range of transitional and supportive housing services, communities can address the varied needs of homeless individuals and families, providing them with the support necessary to transition toward stable and permanent housing solutions. Source

5 Unexpected Benefits of Volunteering as a Family

Volunteering as a family may be just the thing you need. You may know the “feel-good” emotions that come with helping others, but there are even more unexpected ways volunteering will positively affect the whole family: 

1.) You’ll feel like you have more time 

People often feel they are too busy to volunteer. Yet, the Harvard Business Review  found that giving your time to community causes actually makes you feel like you have more of it. Volunteering makes us feel capable and efficient, inspiring us to make the most of each day.

2.) Volunteering has a life-long effect on kids and teenagers 

Volunteering during adolescence has been linked  to some major positive effects such as improved grades, reduced drug usage, and  increased self-esteem. These effects aren’t just short-term but have been proved to affect a teen’s well-being in the years to come.   

3.) You can live longer if you volunteer regularly  

For adults, volunteering can provide significant physical health benefits. Washington University  found that for adults 55 and older who volunteered had better stamina, memory, and maintained overall health longer than others their age. Volunteers are also more likely to look after their own health  and are more focused on adding physical activity into their lives.   

4.) More time spent with family 

Families who volunteer together have the unique experience of working toward a shared goal. You may even learn that your child has a talent or interest you didn’t know about before. Everyone brings something unique to the table and can connect with each other and the community in a new way. And, there are tasks for every age and ability so all your children, whether eight or 18, can feel proud of their work. 

5.) You’ll be happier 

The University of Texas found in a 2003 study  that becoming involved in helping your community lowers rates of depression and anxiety. By volunteering, the entire family can benefit from bettering their mental wellness and alleviating stress. Source

Illuminating Intersections: Hunger and Health

 

When someone is sick, having to choose between food and treatment can lead to serious complications. For example, for food-insecure adults living with diabetes, the choice between food and controlling the disease can even lead to complications like kidney disease, eye disease, and nerve damage.

• Food insecurity can lead to Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity.
• More than half the households the Feeding America network serves have at least one member living with high blood pressure and more than one-third have a member with diabetes.
• Children at risk of hunger are more likely to be in poor health and struggle in school.
• Family members in food-insecure households are also more likely to struggle with psychological and behavioral health issues. And kids struggling to get enough to eat are more likely to have problems in school and other social situations.

 

What Is The Difference Between A Food Bank And Food Pantry?

What Is A Food Bank?

A food bank is a non-profit that safely stores millions of pounds of food that will soon be delivered to local food programs, like a food pantry. Food banks are all different sizes. Some are very large - more than 25 of our food banks are double the size of an average wholesale club. Regardless of size, the food they store is donated from local neighbors, retailers, grocery stores, and restaurants. Feeding America also helps connect our network to additional resources, including food. 

To get the food into the hands of the community, food banks hire drivers to make the deliveries. Every food bank serves a specific area that varies in size. For example, Feeding San Diego serves only one county, but this urban county is packed with over 3.3 million residents. While the St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance in Phoenix services 9 of Arizona’s 15 counties, requiring their drivers to travel over 400 miles to deliver food. No matter how long or short the drive, every food bank is committed to ending hunger in their communities.

What Is A Food Pantry?

A food pantry is a distribution center where hungry families can receive food. Supplied with food from a food bank, pantries feed hundreds of people per week! Because every community is different, there are many different types of pantries.

Sometimes the best place for a food pantry is inside a school, so it is easier for children and their families to get food. For example, St. Mary’s has five school pantry programs in the Navajo Nation.

Thanks to the hard work of both food bank and food pantry staff and volunteers across the nation more than 21 million meals have been provided to nearly 110,000 children this past year!

Some communities have barriers that make getting food difficult – such as seniors with limited mobility or rural communities with little transportation. These barriers can be overcome with a mobile pantry -  a pantry on wheels. 

At a mobile pantry, truckloads of food are distributed to people in pre-packed boxes or displayed on folding tables like a farmer’s market. Island Harvest, a food bank on Long Island, NY, has a senior mobile pantry that provides excess food and grocery products to seniors in their community.

Source

 

Homeless vs. Houseless: Is There A Difference?

Thousands of people find themselves without a permanent place to call home. These individuals are often categorized in different ways, such as either homeless or houseless.The terms homeless and houseless are often used interchangeably but may have a slight distinction. Homeless is a restrictive term used to describe people who don’t have a place to live or a fixed residence and houseless refers to people who may not have a traditional home but still have a place to stay.

Understanding these terms is crucial for developing effective programs and support systems. While both groups face significant challenges, the language we use to describe their situations can profoundly impact the public perception and the quality of help they receive.

Both terms aim to describe a lack of stable housing. The term homeless is often used to describe people who don’t have a fixed residence. This includes not only those living on the streets but also individuals staying in shelters or temporary accommodations. The common denominator is the lack of stability and permanence in their living situation.

On the other hand, houseless, can refer to people who may not have a traditional home but still have a place to stay. This could include those living in RVs, tiny homes, or other non-permanent structures. They have a shelter, however they may lack the societal recognition of having a home. Those who identify as houseless may still feel a sense of belonging and community even if their living situation isn’t conventional.

Importance of Understanding the Terminology

Using precise language is more than just semantics; it shapes our understanding and compassion. When we talk about someone experiencing homelessness, it often evokes images of people living on the streets under dire circumstances.

The term “houseless,” however, can evoke a different set of images—perhaps of people who are nomadic by choice or circumstance but are not entirely without shelter. Recognizing this distinction helps tailor solutions that are more empathetic and effective.

The Social & Psychological Impact of Labels

The labels we use can significantly affect the mental health and social standing of individuals. Being called homeless often carries a heavy stigma, contributing to feelings of worthlessness and isolation. Conversely, the term houseless can sometimes mitigate these negative emotions, as it doesn’t entirely strip away the person’s sense of having some form of shelter and security.

Challenges Faced by Individuals Who Are Homeless & Houseless

Beyond the basic need for shelter, there are many unknown challenges that people who experience homelessness face.

Access to Basic Needs

One of the most pressing challenges is accessing basic needs like food and healthcare. Individuals who experience homelessness often have to rely on shelters that may be overcrowded or unsafe. Individuals who are houseless might have a makeshift shelter but still face difficulties securing consistent meals and medical services.

Employment & Education Hurdles

Individuals without stable housing face significant barriers to employment and education. Without a permanent address, applying for jobs or enrolling in school can be almost impossible. This creates a vicious cycle where the lack of resources perpetuates their unstable living conditions. Source

10 Essential Items People Experiencing Homelessness Need

Homelessness can make daily living challenging. Everyday activities such as eating, maintaining basic hygiene, or finding a place to sleep can become difficult. One of the challenging aspects of homelessness is limited access to basic needs, which are the essential items and amenities people need to survive. 

Basic needs have changed over the years, but today, basic needs usually include: 

• Food
• Water
• Shelter
• Clothing
• Access to healthcare

You may be wondering how to help and what items can help the homeless, whether you’re looking to help or doing research of your own. Let’s explore 10 essential items that can help;

#1 Clean Clothing

People experiencing homelessness will usually not have access to enough clean clothing. A care program can allow access to personal hygiene needs such as hot showers that include soap, shampoo, and clean towels. 

A care program can also provide access to donated clothes to replace worn and dirty clothing to help improve circumstances.

#2 Sunscreen

Sunscreen may be a surprise addition to this list, but it’s essential. While all homeless people aren’t spending all their time outside, they can still spend hours outside throughout the day. In warmer climates, time out in the sun can add up and result in sunburning. 

Sunscreen can be an underrated essential item when it comes to health. 

#3 Non-Perishable Food & Supplies

Non-perishable food items such as dried food can help homeless people add some variety to their meals. These food items are also easier to carry and last longer, so they have access to different meals on different days. 

#4 Winter Accessories

Just as warm climates can prompt the need for sunscreen, winter may be just around the corner, and winter accessories can provide much-needed warmth and comfort. 

Items such as gloves, scarves, and hats can help against the harsh winter weather. A great way to help is to donate some winter accessories you no longer use to your local care program. 

#5 Socks and Underwear

Socks and underwear can fall under clean clothing but are significant enough to warrant their own place in this list. Clean socks and underwear are essential to maintaining healthy bodies and can help in all climates. 

#6 Personal Care Products

Personal hygiene is a significant barrier for homeless people, and limited access to personal hygiene products can sometimes result in health problems. 

Personal care products can include items such as:

• Toothpaste and toothbrushes
• Soap and shampoo
• Menstrual care products
• First-aid supplies
• Hand sanitizer

#7 Identification

We can take our piece of identification for granted and not realize how essential they are to daily living. 

People experiencing homelessness may lack a reliable piece of identification, and that can create additional problems such as an inability to apply for jobs or social programs. An ID clinic at the local care program can help homeless people access essential pieces of identification. 

#8 Sleeping Bags

While not all homeless people have to spend their time outdoors, some have no choice. A sleeping bag can be an irreplaceable item for homeless people who have to live outside for extended periods. 

A sleeping bag can help people stay warm and sleep comfortably in less-than-ideal environments and situations. 

#9 First-Aid Kits

We all need access to first aid options in everyday life. This need is no different for someone experiencing homelessness. Accidents happen, and anything can happen throughout the day, so a first aid kit can become an essential item to have access to.

#10 Backpacks

Backpacks can be a convenient way to store all sorts of smaller items and carry them throughout the day. Backpacks in good shape are a constant need. They can help provide a form of organization and peace of mind knowing where specific items are. Source

What Is Chronic Homelessness?

The U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) defines chronic homelessness as people who have been homeless for at least a year or repeatedly while experiencing a disabling condition including physical disability, serious mental illness and/or substance use disorder making it difficult to find and maintain housing. By “homeless,” HUD means someone who is sleeping in a place not meant for human habitation or living in an emergency shelter. By “repeatedly,” HUD means at least four episodes in the last three years with a cumulative total of at least 12 months.

According to the 2021 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress, the number of sheltered individuals experiencing chronic homelessness increased by 20 percent between 2020 and 2021. This trend has increased in recent years and continued to do so between 2020 and 2021.

Chronic Homelessness Risk Factors

Factors increasing the risk of homelessness include:

• Lack of affordable housing
• Lack of jobs paying a living wage
• Unexpected health care costs

The average age of people experiencing chronic homelessness in 2010 was approximately 50 years old. Aging homeless people experience even greater health risks and can be even more vulnerable. Living on the streets and in public can be very difficult. Exposure to extreme temperatures as well as wind, rain, sleet, and snow increases the chances of getting and staying sick. Life-threatening hypothermia can set in starting when temperatures are between 32 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Being homeless also leads to increased chances of the following:

• chronic pain
• skin, foot, and dental problems
• diseases and illnesses such as tuberculosis, hypertension, asthma, and diabetes
• sexually transmitted diseases including HIV and AIDS.

Homeless adults are more likely than others to experience psychiatric disorders and mental illness. They are also more likely to use tobacco and other substances. Homeless people are vulnerable to being victims of crimes, sexual trafficking, physical violence, sexual assault, rape, and verbal harassment. Source

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Change And New Beginnings 

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History of Homelessness

Homelessness has surged and receded throughout the nation’s history, with spikes during the colonial period, pre-industrial era, post-Civil War years, Great Depression, and today. 

While there are many drivers of modern-day homelessness, it is largely the result of failed policies; severely underfunded programs that have led to affordable housing shortages; wages that do not keep up with rising rents and housing costs; inadequate safety nets; inequitable access to quality health care (including mental health care), education, and economic opportunity; and mass incarceration. In effect, more than half of Americans live paycheck to paycheck and one crisis away from homelessness.

At the root of these systemic failures is historical and ongoing racism. From slavery and the Indian Removal Act to redlining and mass incarceration, people of color and other historically marginalized groups (such as LGBTQI+ youth) have been denied rights and excluded from opportunities in ways that continue to have negative impacts today.   Source

Myths About Homelessness In California

Homelessness is one of the most prominent, hardest to solve — and most polarizing — problems California faces today. It’s an intensely emotional issue, as images of squalid encampments are enough to bring many to tears. But it’s also an intensely political one, with state and local leaders squabbling over how best to address the crisis, all while facing acute pressure from their constituents to act. So it’s no wonder that when it comes to the homelessness crisis, there’s a lot of talk out there — and not everything you hear is true. 

Here are some of the most common myths surrounding homelessness;

MYTH: Most unhoused people come here from somewhere else

FACT: It’s often said that people who are down on their luck move here because of the nice weather and abundant social services. But the data doesn’t bear that out. 

The vast majority of people who are homeless in California are from California — and most are still living in the same county where they lost their housing, according to a recent large-scale survey of unhoused Californians conducted by the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative. The survey found 90% of participants were from California (meaning they lived in California when they became homeless) and 75% lived in the same county where they were last housed. And 66% were born in California, while 87% were born in the United States.

Local data shows the same thing. In Santa Clara County, for example, 85% of people surveyed during the 2023 point-in-time count reported they were residents of the county when they became homeless. And 54% had lived in Santa Clara County for 10 or more years. 

MYTH: Everyone living on the street is addicted to drugs or mentally ill

FACT: People living on the street are more likely to experience addiction or a mental illness than the general population — but by no means do those two conditions affect everyone. 

When asked if they had ever been hospitalized due to a mental health condition, 27% of homeless Californians surveyed by UCSF said yes. One in three reported attempting suicide at some point during their life. And 23% reported ever experiencing a significant period of hallucinations, while 25% said they had been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder. 

When it comes to drug use, 56% of people surveyed by UCSF reported ever using amphetamines regularly, 33% reported ever using cocaine regularly, and 22% reported ever using non-prescribed opioids regularly. Newly released data from Los Angeles County found similar results — 24% of people surveyed during this year’s point-in-time count reported having a serious mental illness, and 27% reported a substance use disorder. 

Those rates are far higher than among the general population. Less than 4% of adults in California have a serious mental illness, according to the California Health Care Foundation. Rates of mental illness are higher in families with incomes below the federal poverty line, and among people who are incarcerated. 

Meanwhile, 9% of Californians met the criteria for a substance use disorder in 2021, according to the California Health Care Foundation. 

MYTH: Most people living on the streets are veterans

FACT: Veterans are disproportionately represented in California’s homeless population. But thanks to a major effort by the federal government to end veteran homelessness over the past decade, the number of homeless vets in California has dropped significantly — falling from nearly 16,800 in 2011 to almost 10,400 in 2022. But in recent years, the number has plateaued. State-funded homes for unhoused vets are underused. 

Now, new efforts to tackle homelessness are setting aside special resources for unhoused vets. Proposition 1, a recently approved $6.4 billion bond, promises to create 4,350 new homes for unhoused people who need mental health and addiction services. About half of those new homes will be reserved for veterans. 

How great is the need for those services? Of the homeless Californians surveyed by UCSF, 6% reported serving in the military. Of those who served, just 19% reported receiving benefits from the Veterans Administration. Santa Clara County’s 2023 point-in-time count tallied 508 unhoused veterans — 5% of the county’s total homeless population. This year, San Francisco counted 587 homeless veterans — 7% of the city’s total homeless population.

MYTH: People who are homeless don’t work, and don’t want to work

FACT: Some people who don’t have a home still hold down one or more jobs, while others are trying to find work. 

Among the homeless Californians surveyed by UCSF, 18% reported earning income from a job (either formal employment or informal/gig work) in the past month. When the researchers eliminated people who were older than 62 or had mental or physical disabilities from the data, the percentage was higher — 25% reported working in the past month.

But even if people are working, they aren’t making enough to afford rent. Fast food workers, for example, make a median wage of $17.32 an hour in California, but they’d need to make more than twice that to rent a one-bedroom home, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition.

That doesn’t mean people aren’t trying. Of everyone surveyed by UCSF, 44% said they were looking for work. Others made ends meet in other ways; 40% reported earning income from recycling or odd jobs. 

Many participants reported barriers to working or finding work, including: their age, a disability, lack of transportation to and from a job, a criminal record, and the amount of time they spent trying to find food, water and shelter, while also safeguarding their belongings on the street. In San Francisco, 17% of homeless residents surveyed during the 2022 point-in-time count were working, while 32% were unemployed and looking for work, 32% weren’t looking for work, and 20% were unable to work. Source

What Public Systems And Supports Can Address The Needs Of People Experiencing Homelessness

Many different local, state and federal public systems and services intersect with homelessness in important ways. 

Nearly 1 in 8 Californians did not have enough resources to meet their basic needs, according to the most recent California Poverty Measure data. This reflects the high cost of living in many parts of the state. In addition, the share in poverty is expected to increase for 2022, as pandemic-era public supports like the expanded federal Child Tax Credit expired. For all individuals experiencing homelessness, public supports that help people meet basic needs are important both to prevent and exit homelessness. These supports include but are not limited to: cash supports like SSI/SSP and CalWORKs, refundable tax credits like earned income tax credits (EITCs) and child tax credits, nutrition assistance programs like CalFresh and WIC, and Medi-Cal health coverage.

While only a minority of unhoused individuals struggle with serious mental health or substance use disorders, behavioral health services are vital supports for maintaining stable housing over the long term for those individuals. Among youth, abusive or neglectful family situations can cause young people to leave their homes and become homeless, pointing to a role for the child welfare system in preventing and addressing youth homelessness.

Domestic violence can also be the trigger that pushes individuals into homelessness, especially women and mothers with children. Services that directly address the experiences and needs of domestic violence survivors are important to prevent and address homelessness for these individuals.

The justice system has an impact on many unhoused individuals as well. This is both because of laws that criminalize homelessness (e.g., laws that make public camping punishable by citation or arrest) and because individuals who have a conviction record or are reentering the community after incarceration face daunting barriers to securing and maintaining stable housing. These factors compound challenges in helping individuals find safe, affordable housing. Source

What Are The Key Drivers Of Homelessness In California?

Many systemic challenges rooted in classism, racism, and sexism that harm individuals and families put people at greater risk of becoming homeless at some point in their lifetime.

The severe shortage of affordable housing — particularly housing that is affordable to people with the lowest incomes — is the number-one driver of California’s homelessness crisis. For Californians with the very lowest incomes — those categorized as “extremely low-income” under the definition used for most state and federal housing policies — there were only 23 housing units that were affordable and available for every 100 renter households as of 2020. Statewide, an estimated 1.2 million new affordable homes are needed by 2030 to meet the housing needs of Californians with low incomes.

Because affordable housing is in such short supply in California, many renters with low incomes must pay much more than they can afford for housing, so that even a minor financial emergency can cause them to be unable to cover the rent and face the risk of eviction and homelessness. Black and Latinx renters are especially likely to face unaffordable housing costs, reflecting the effects of explicitly and implicitly racist policies and practices in housing, employment, and other arenas.

Other factors have also contributed to California’s homelessness crisis, including the decades-long trend of stagnant wages for lower-wage workers and past failure to fund adequate mental and behavioral health services to meet needs in the community. The shortage of deeply affordable housing, however, is a fundamental driver of the crisis. Source

Where Do People Experience Homelessness?

In efforts to understand and end homelessness, location matters in various ways, including:

1) People experiencing homelessness are increasingly concentrated in cities.

Solving the affordable housing crisis in the nation’s major cities, including ensuring that urban areas have enough deeply affordable housing and emergency housing resources, would significantly reduce homelessness. In 2007, 51 percent of people experiencing homelessness were concentrated in urban areas. In 2023, 59 percent of people experiencing homelessness lived in urban areas.

2) Solving challenges in a few states would significantly reduce homelessness.

Just seven states (California, New York, Florida, Washington, Texas, Oregon, and Massachusetts) account for 63 percent of people experiencing homelessness.

25 Continuums of Care (CoCs), spanning both metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas, account for nearly 49 percent of all people experiencing homelessness. Between 2022 and 2023, homelessness increased the most in these same states and CoCs.

In part, the fact that these regions account for an increasingly large share of the nation’s homeless population is tied to the large overall populations in these states. California’s overall population of people experiencing homelessness increased 5.8 percent in 2023. This is less than half of the average 12.1 percent increase in the national population of people experiencing homelessness. However, due to California’s size, the increased population count was large: 9,878 people.

3) Some smaller states have large numbers relative to their populations.

From 2022 to 2023, homelessness in New Hampshire and New Mexico increased by more than 50 percent. Vermont, Maine, Montana, Colorado, and Alaska have very high rates of people experiencing homelessness compared to their relatively small populations. It is important to ensure that federal resources reach all locations that are uniquely struggling to end homelessness, even if they have small homeless populations. All people experiencing homelessness must have access to assistance regardless of where they live. Source

Why Do People Experience Homelessness?

Housing

There are currently two major contributors to the housing and homelessness crises: a lack of low cost housing nationwide and the limited scale of housing assistance programs.

Nationally, the cost of rental housing greatly exceeds wages earned by low-income renter households. For example, a full-time worker needs to earn on average $25.82 per hour to afford a modest two-bedroom rental and $21.21 hourly to afford a one-bedroom (National Low Income Housing Coalition, 2022). However, the national minimum wage is only $7.25!

Housing isn’t only out of reach for minimum wage earners. The 2022 housing wage is far higher than the median hourly rate earned by customer service workers ($17.75), nursing assistants ($14.57), maintenance and repair workers ($20.76), home health aides ($14.15), retail workers ($14.03), and many others in the workforce.

Poverty

Homelessness and poverty are inextricably linked. Poor people are frequently unable to pay for housing, food, childcare, health care, and education. Difficult choices must be made when limited resources cover only some of these necessities. Often it is housing, which absorbs a high proportion of income that must be dropped. If you are poor, you are essentially an illness, an accident, or a paycheck away from living on the streets.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the national poverty rate in 2016 was 12.7%. There were 40.6 million people in poverty. While the poverty rate has been slowly declining since 2014, a couple of factors account for continuing poverty:

• Lack of Employment Opportunities – With unemployment rates remaining high, jobs are hard to find in the current economy. Even if people can find work, this does not automatically provide an escape from poverty.

• Decline in Available Public Assistance – The declining value and availability of public assistance is another source of increasing poverty and homelessness and many families leaving welfare struggle to get medical care, food, and housing as a result of loss of benefits, low wages, and unstable employment. Additionally, most states have not replaced the old welfare system with an alternative that enables families and individuals to obtain above-poverty employment and to sustain themselves when work is not available or possible.

Other major factors, which can contribute to homelessness, include:

• Lack of Affordable Health Care – For families and individuals struggling to pay the rent, a serious illness or disability can start a downward spiral into homelessness, beginning with a lost job, depletion of savings to pay for care, and eventual eviction.

• Domestic Violence – Battered women who live in poverty are often forced to choose between abusive relationships and homelessness. In addition, 50% of the cities surveyed by the U.S. Conference of Mayors identified domestic violence as a primary cause of homelessness (U.S. Conference of Mayors, 2005).

• Mental Illness – Approximately 16% of the single adult homeless population suffers from some form of severe and persistent mental illness (U.S. Conference of Mayors, 2005).

• Addiction – The relationship between addiction and homelessness is complex and controversial. Many people who are addicted to alcohol and drugs never become homeless, but people who are poor and addicted are clearly at increased risk of homelessness. Source

Homelessness and Racial Disparities

Most minority groups, especially African Americans and Indigenous people, experience homelessness at higher rates than Whites, largely due to long-standing historical and structural racism.

The most striking disparity can be found among African Americans, who represent 13 percent of the general population but account for 37 percent of people experiencing homelessness and more than 50 percent of homeless families with children. This imbalance has not improved over time.

What Are the Causes?

From slavery to segregation, African Americans have been systemically denied rights and socioeconomic opportunities. Other minority groups, including Indigenous and Latinx people, share similar histories. The disproportionality in homelessness is a by-product of systemic inequity: the lingering effects of racism continue to perpetuate disparities in critical areas that impact rates of homelessness.

Poverty

Poverty, and particularly deep poverty, is a strong predictor of homelessness. Black and Latinx groups are overrepresented in poverty relative to their representation in the overall population, and are most likely to live in deep poverty, with rates of 10.8% and 7.6% percent, respectively.

Segregation/Rental Housing Discrimination

Redlining – systemic housing discrimination supported by the federal government decades ago –  is a root cause of the current wealth gap between White households and households of color. Redlining discouraged economic investment, such as mortgage and business loans, in Black and Brown neighborhoods. 

The effects are still with us today: African Americans still live disproportionately in concentrated poverty or in neighborhoods where they are regularly exposed to environmental toxins, and have limited access to quality care, services, nutritious food and economic opportunities. People that become homeless are likely to have lived in these types of neighborhoods. 

For most minority groups, the transition to neighborhoods with less crime, no environmental hazards, and close proximity to services, are often met with challenges. A study by the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on racial discrimination found that people of color were often shown fewer rental units and denied more leases in comparison to White people. White people, on the other hand, were frequently offered lower rents. Deposits and other move-in costs were also quoted as “negotiable,” making it easier for White people to secure units.

Incarceration

The racial disparity in incarceration rates has continuously worsened. The rate for African Americans has tripled between 1968 and 2016 and is more than six times the rate of White incarceration. These racial disparities are no accident. Black and Brown people are at far greater risk of being targeted, profiled and arrested for minor offenses, especially in high poverty areas. 

The implications of over criminalization are far-reaching: A criminal history can keep people from successfully passing background checks to secure both housing and employment. People exiting jails and prisons often face significant problems in accessing safe and affordable housing and their rate of homelessness is high.

Access to Quality Health Care

People of color are far more likely to lack health insurance than White people, especially in states without Medicaid expansion. Even with expansion, overall about 30 million people are uninsured, with about half of them being people of color.

The lack of health insurance for people with chronic medical conditions and/or untreated serious mental illness can place them at risk of becoming homeless or being precariously housed. For example, people with mental health disabilities are vastly overrepresented in the population of people who experience homelessness. Of the more than 653,000 people in America who experienced homelessness on a given night in 2023, nearly 1 in 5 had a behavioral health issue. While the rate of serious mental illness may not vary by race, studies show African Americans have more difficulty accessing treatment.

Any effort to end homelessness in the United States must address the range of issues that have resulted from racial inequity. This includes assuring affordable, stable housing for all. Systems, programs, and individuals that serve people experiencing homelessness should monitor their outcomes in order to eliminate disparities in the way that they provide services.

Source

The Psychological Impact of Reintegration: Understanding the Long-Term Effects of Service

 

Reintegration is the process by which veterans transition from military to civilian life. This encompasses adjusting to family life, entering the civilian workforce, and adapting to a non-military social environment. For many veterans, this transition involves not only practical but also profound emotional and psychological adjustments.

Psychological Effects of Military Service

The psychological toll of military service extends beyond the battlefield, affecting various aspects of veterans’ lives in profound ways:

• Heightened Risk for Mental Health Disorders: Beyond PTSD, veterans are at increased risk for conditions such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), driven by the high-stress environments and traumatic experiences encountered during service.
• Impact on Family Relationships: The psychological effects of military service can extend to family dynamics, often straining relationships through behavioral changes and emotional withdrawal by the veteran.
• Long-Term Health Consequences: Chronic stress and mental health issues can lead to long-term physical health problems, including cardiovascular disease and a weakened immune system, complicating a veteran’s health well beyond their service years.

Difficulties in Reintegration

The reintegration of veterans into civilian life presents a spectrum of challenges that can hinder their adjustment and well-being:

• Cultural Disconnection: Veterans may struggle with feeling disconnected from civilian cultural norms and practices, making social integration challenging.
• Identity Crisis: Moving from a highly structured military identity to a civilian one can create a crisis of identity for many veterans, complicating their sense of purpose and self-worth.
• Barriers to Employment: While veteran unemployment rates have been steadily dropping, veterans often encounter difficulties in translating military skills to civilian job markets, and may face employer biases regarding mental health.

The Negative Effects of Military Service

The negative effects of military service are manifold and can profoundly impact veterans’ mental and social health in several critical ways:

• Increased Risk of Substance Abuse: High stress and coping with PTSD often lead veterans toward increased alcohol and drug use as a form of self-medication, further impacting their health and social reintegration.
• Social Isolation: The stigma associated with mental health issues and the warrior culture’s emphasis on toughness can lead veterans to isolate themselves, exacerbating feelings of loneliness and depression.
• Suicide Risk: The culmination of depression, isolation, and other mental health issues significantly contributes to a higher rate of suicide among veterans compared to the civilian population.

Veteran Reintegration Issues in the USA

Veteran reintegration issues in the USA encompass a range of socio-economic and healthcare challenges that require targeted interventions and support:

• Economic Impact: Veterans often face economic instability due to unemployment or underemployment, impacting their ability to secure housing and meet basic needs.
• Healthcare Access: While many veterans are eligible for VA healthcare, challenges in accessibility, service quality, and bureaucratic hurdles can impede their ability to receive adequate care.
• Community Integration Programs: The need for programs that facilitate community integration and understanding between veterans and civilian populations is crucial. Programs that educate employers about the value of skills acquired during military service and how they translate to civilian roles can aid in improving employment outcomes.
• Addressing these issues comprehensively requires coordinated efforts between governmental agencies, private organizations, and communities to create a supportive environment that acknowledges and adapts to the unique needs of returning veterans.

Source

 

SOLD OUT- Stand Up For Veterans Event

 

Thanks to all of you we have a sold out comedy show and dinner!!! We are looking forward to seeing everyone tonight at the event that could make it! 

Veterans and the Economy

Between the economic slump caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the ever-increasing cost of living in the United States, and the looming threat of inflation, you’d be hard pressed to find someone who hasn’t been adversely affected by the economic goings-on of the past few years, or who hasn’t reviewed their finances with some degree of worry. 

And although nearly everyone is feeling the pressure, some people are feeling it more than others. One of the groups that has been particularly hard-hit are veterans, many of whom may have already been struggling to make ends meet, and who tend to be at higher risk of homelessness as a group. 

Factors Affecting Veteran Homelessness

Housing insecurity has been connected to a variety of factors, many of which tend to be more pronounced or prevalent among veteran populations. For example, veterans may be more likely to have a disability that prevents them from working than their civilian counterparts. One survey revealed that around 41% of post-9/11 veterans have a disability, compared to the 26% of the general population. And even veterans who don’t live with a disability that prevents them from working may struggle to find stable, high-paying jobs after leaving the military. 

Seen against the backdrop of astronomical home prices and rising rents, these factors and others form a potentially disastrous combination for veteran homelessness. In Florida, which is the 12th most expensive state in the nation, the average worker needs to earn at least $24.82 per hour to afford a modest 2-bedroom apartment. In California (the most expensive state, and also the state with the highest homeless population) that number jumps to $39.03 per hour. 

And for veterans who find themselves in situations like that, there’s little they can do. In 2016, the Washington Post reported that although about half of the problems that lead to veteran homelessness could be solved with legal assistance, most veterans simply can’t afford legal aid. 

Although 2021 saw a broad increase in wages, and fixed incomes such as social security and disability income are (theoretically, at least) adjusted for inflation, many people—including veterans—are still having trouble keeping up with the cost of living. Source

Stand Up For Veterans Dinner And Show

Can't make the Stand Up For Veterans dinner and comedy show, heres your chance to still support... Click here... Silent auction and raffle prize donations are graciously being accepted!

Call Kari at 707-427-1148 ext 132

Trauma During Adulthood

What is a traumatic event?

Traumatic events involve either 1) actual or possible death or serious injury or 2) sexual violence. Most adults have lived through at least one traumatic event and many have experienced more than one event. Trauma can also be chronic, meaning that similar events happen many times over a long period of time.

There any many different types of traumatic events, but here are some examples:

• Sexual or physical abuse or assault
• Serious vehicle accidents
• Combat or war zone exposure
• Serious medical events
• Seeing death or dead bodies, including while at work
• Unexpected death of a loved one
• Natural disasters
• Arson or house fires
• Torture
• Domestic violence
• Witnessing or experiencing violence, such as a homicide or suicide
• Terrorism or mass violence

What are common responses following a traumatic event?

Professionals have found three different paths that adults can follow after trauma:

Some people never experience any major problems. This is known as resistance. Resistance is very common after traumas that do not involve sexual assault or abuse.

Many people have symptoms similar to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the weeks after a trauma. For most of those people, those symptoms will then go away on their own. This is known as natural recovery or resilience. This path is very common among people who experience sexual assault.

Other people experience problems that do not go away on their own. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one potential outcome when this happens. PTSD is described in detail in the next section.

What is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

PTSD is a mental health condition that may be diagnosed by a professional when someone has experienced a traumatic event and is having particular types of problems as a result. The major types of symptoms experienced by people with PTSD include:

• Re-experiencing symptoms, including:
• Flashbacks or intrusive thoughts about the traumatic event
• Intense physical or emotional reactions to reminders of the event
• Nightmares
• Avoidance symptoms, including:
• Avoiding thinking or talking about the trauma
• Avoiding people, places, activities or sensations that remind you of the trauma
• Negative changes in your thinking and emotions, including:
• Feeling more down, depressed, angry or anxious
• Finding it hard or impossible to feel happy
• Feeling shameful or guilty
• Feeling distant from other people
• Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
• Being unable to remember important parts of the trauma
• Having more negative thoughts about yourself, other people and the world
• Hyperarousal or emotional/physical reactivity, including:
• Being always on guard and/or easily startled
• Having trouble concentrating
• Being quick to anger and aggression
• Doing things that are risky (e.g., impulsive sex, binge drinking)
• Having trouble sleeping 

If you are experiencing and of these symptoms please get professional help.. you are not alone! Source

Veterans on Symptoms of PTSD

 

 

Veterans describe a variety of PTSD symptoms and the steps they took to help manage their mental health challenges.

Stand Up For Veterans

 

 

Join us for a fantastic night out featuring delicious dinner and live stand-up comedy, all while supporting our local Veterans. Check out our website for more information and where to purchase tickets for this show! Get your tickets today before they sell out!

If you would like to donate a Raffle item or Silent Auction item,

please call Kari at 707-427-1148 Ext. 132

How Trauma Changes The Brain

We know that military service can be filled with traumatic events and frequent exposure.

We don’t know what kinds of experiences individuals have dealt with in the past, so we

need to approach everyone in a universally sensitive manner

What is Trauma?

Trauma is a “neuro-developmental insult” that impacts the development of the brain as well as psychological processes.

Examples of military-related trauma include:

• Military sexual trauma

• Exposure to death and dying

• Witnessing suicide

• Making decisions that impact the survival of others

• Exposure to blasts

• Mass casualties and wounding

Everyone’s experience with trauma is unique. Its effects can still be understood regardless of the event.

How Trauma Affects Us

Traumatic exposure disrupts the development of self-regulatory processes.

Trauma exposure can lead to:

• Chronic dysregulation

• Destructive behavior towards self and others

• Learning disabilities

• Dissociative problems

• Somatization

• Distortions in concepts of self

• Physiological Changes, such as trouble sleeping, gut issues

Simply put, it alters the way one thinks and acts.

How You Can Help Someone Experiencing Trauma 

Not everyone who has experienced trauma will struggle with suicidal ideation or behaviors.

If you or your loved one experience consistent symptoms from past trauma that leads to thoughts of self-harm, stay hopeful and connect to a proven resource.

• Learn their triggers

• Provide reassurance of safety if someone shares their experience

• Acknowledge they may be feeling powerless

• Focus on their strengths

• Offer space for them to share their feelings

Source

Quit Beating Yourself Up, And Go Get Help.

 

  

This is Jerry Reed, US Army 1979 - 1984,  he shares his advice for others who may be concerned about PTSD. Learn more about PTSD from Jerry Reed and other Veterans who've been there: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/apps/AboutFace/

Stand Up For Veterans Event

 

We invite you to become a powerful voice in the lives of our military veterans by sponsoring our Stand Up for Vets event on Friday, November 1, 2024, at the Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield. Your support will provide Unhoused veterans with the critical housing and services they need to rebuild their lives.

For more information check out our website here...

Why Veterans May Be Resistant To Seeking Help

This information is crucial to both veterans and family members for understanding why many veterans resist help.

Many Veterans can be highly resistant to the admission of war related illness due to the consequences it may bring. These consequences are very real and the impact can be deep and affect the veteran and their family with long lasting and devastating effects.

If a veteran starts to notice his/her OWN behaviors that are worrisome or cause for concern, he/she will most likely choose one of these routes:

To recognize something is wrong but be cautious about who they tell and the amount of detail that they share. Information shared will be on a need-to-know basis, meaning that if the veteran feels that he or his family is threatened in any way, he/she will share only what they believe is safe to share. Many times, important information needed for diagnosis is left out due to this fear.

They “bite the bullet” and/or “suck it up and drive on” which means, that they will ignore all danger signs of the illness. This is especially problematic during the initial stages of illness when, if faced, there could be meaningful intervention and support AND may help the veteran avoid other related problems, like self-medication through alcohol and drug abuse.

The veteran is actually not aware that he/she has changed or is acting any differently. This is sometimes called denial. Due to any number of reasons, sometimes veterans actually believe that nothing is wrong with them. This could be because they have become unable to gauge their own feelings. It could be that they are afraid to face the fact that something is wrong for fear of what may happen to them or to their family. One way or another, a veteran who may be behaving differently than pre-deployment, is simply unable or unwilling to admit a problem.

Veterans may be concerned about being invalidated or minimized if they speak up. Veterans have become experts in “sucking it up” and enduring to stay safe and alert in a war zone. It often takes some time when they return home, to begin to understand that they might need help. They are often concerned that IF and when they do seek help, they may be told that ‘it is all in their head” which further distances them from seeking help and often validates their own self-talk that they are weak, when in fact, it takes the courage of a warrior to ask for help.

Being overwhelmed by not knowing a specific point of contact to seek help. Sometimes, even when a vet is ready and willing to take the risk to seek help, they are often overwhelmed at how difficult it is, and lack of personal contact in seeking help. After mustering up the courage to ask for help, they may not even know where to start and this just makes it easier to do nothing than to try to figure out where to get help without getting overwhelmed even further.

Being a single veteran with custody of children.  Many veterans will not disclose that they are becoming ill for fear of losing their rights and access to their children.  To many of them, admitting that they have a war-related illness may seem like they are jeopardizing the most important thing in their lives; their children.

Each of these issues potentially impacts a veterans financial stability.  Many people believe that there are processes in place that help a veteran to transition if they become sick.  This is not correct.  There are some federal emergency funds and agencies available to help, but not enough and most of the time, any funding is difficult to apply for and receive…especially if you are sick OR you are the family member of an ill veteran. The process for assistance is extremely lengthy, complex and anxiety provoking.

There are no easy answers or solutions to this problem, but it plagues many veterans. Understanding the extreme effects of admitting something is wrong can help family members and healing practitioners to be more sensitive to the veterans’ fears. Understanding the extreme effects of the devastation and impact of war related illness can help our Country to understand the opportunity we have to provide new options to help those who have made a great sacrifice for our freedom. Source

Support Your Local Veterans

Support our local veterans by donating through the link below. Your contribution helps provide safe and stable housing for those who have served our country. Every bit counts—Thank You For Your Support!

Donate Here Today!

416 Union Avenue, Fairfield 94533

707-427-1148

info@canbinc.org

The Veterans Crisis Line: Firearm Safety

 

 

The Veterans Crisis Line gun safety video illustrates the importance of taking precautions at home when a firearm is present. It encourages Veterans, Service members, and their families to make sure guns are safely secured, especially in times of crisis. Watch to learn how simple actions can help Veterans, Service members, and their families stay safe.  

Veteran Homelessness Statistics

The vast majority of homeless veterans (96%) are single males from poor, disadvantaged communities. Homeless veterans have served in World War II, Korean War, Cold War, Vietnam War, Grenada, Panama, Lebanon, Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), Operation Iraqi Freedom, and the military's anti-drug cultivation efforts in South America.

The number of homeless female veterans is on the rise: in 2006, there were 150 homeless female veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars; in 2011, there were 1,700. That same year, 18% of homeless veterans assisted by the VA were women. Comparison studies conducted by HUD show that female veterans are two to three times more likely to be homeless than any other group in the US adult population.

Veterans between the ages of 18 and 30 are twice as likely as adults in the general population to be homeless, and the risk of homelessness increases significantly among young veterans who are poor.

Roughly 56% of all homeless veterans are African-American or Hispanic, despite only accounting for 12.8% and 15.4% of the U.S. population respectively.

About 53% of individual homeless veterans have disabilities, compared with 41%of homeless non-veteran individuals.

Half suffer from mental illness; two-thirds suffer from substance abuse problems; and many from dual diagnosis (which is defined as a person struggling with both mental illness and a substance abuse problem).

Homeless veterans tend to experience homelessness longer than their non-veteran peers: Veterans spend an average of nearly six years homeless, compared to four years reported among non-veterans.

How many veterans are homeless?

While only 8% of Americans can claim veteran status, 17% of our homeless population is made up of veterans. In 2010, the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) estimated that on any given night there were 76,000 homeless veterans sleeping on American streets.

What is the primary cause of veteran homelessness?

Veterans are 50% more likely to become homeless than other Americans due to poverty, lack of support networks, and dismal living conditions in overcrowded or substandard housing.

About 1.5 million veterans are considered at-risk of homelessness. At risk is defined as being below the poverty level and paying more than 50% of household income on rent. It also includes households with a member who has a disability, a person living alone, and those who are not in the labor force.

Research shows that the greatest risk factors for homelessness are lack of support and social isolation after discharge. Veterans have low marriage rates and high divorce rates; and, currently, 1 in 5 veterans is living alone. Social networks are particularly important for those who have a crisis or need temporary help. Without this assistance, they are at high risk for homelessness.

Nearly half a million (467,877) veterans are severely rent burdened and paying more than 50% of their income for rent. More than half (55%) of veterans with severe housing cost burden fell below the poverty level and 43% receive food stamps.

Approximately 45% of the 1.6 million veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan are seeking disability compensation. The average wait to get a disability claim processed is now eight months. Payments range from $127/month for a 10% disability to $2,769 for a full disability. Source

2nd Annual Stand Up For Veterans Event

 

For additional information regarding our event please visit our website here...

Homelessness & Health: What’s the Connection?

Homelessness can take many forms, with people living on the streets, in encampments or shelters, in transitional housing programs, or doubled up with family and friends. While the federal government reports 1.5 million people a year experience homelessness, other estimates find up to twice this number of people are actually without housing in any given year. The connection between housing and homelessness is generally intuitive, but the strong link between health and homelessness is often overlooked. This fact sheet outlines how health and homelessness are intertwined—and why housing is health care. People who are homeless have higher rates of illness and die on average 12 years sooner than the general U.S. population

Poor heath is a major cause of homelessness

An injury or illness can start out as a health condition, but quickly lead to an employment problem due to missing too much time from work; exhausting sick leave; and/or not being able to maintain a regular schedule or perform work functions. This is especially true for physically demanding jobs such as construction, manufacturing, and other labor-intensive industries. The loss of employment due to poor health then becomes a vicious cycle: without funds to pay for health care (treatment, medications, surgery, etc.), one cannot heal to work again, and if one remains ill, it is difficult to regain employment. Without income from work, an injury or illness quickly becomes a housing problem. In these situations, any available savings are quickly exhausted, and relying on friends and family for assistance to help maintain rent/mortgage payments, food, medical care, and other basic needs can be short-lived. Once these personal safety nets are exhausted, there are usually very few options available to help with health care or housing. Ultimately, poor health can lead to unemployment, poverty, and homelessness.

Homelessness creates new health problems and exacerbates existing ones

Living on the street or in crowded homeless shelters is extremely stressful and made worse by being exposed to communicable disease (e.g. TB, respiratory illnesses, flu, hepatitis, etc.), violence, malnutrition, and harmful weather exposure. Chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and asthma become worse because there is no safe place to store medications properly. Maintaining a healthy diet is difficult in soup kitchens and shelters as the meals are usually high in salt, sugars, and starch (making for cheap, filling meals but lacking nutritional content). Behavioral health issues such as depression, alcoholism, or other substance use disorders can develop and/or are made worse in such difficult situations, especially if there is no solution in sight. Injuries that result from violence or accidents do not heal properly because bathing, keeping bandages clean, and getting proper rest and recuperation isn’t possible on the street or in shelters. Minor issues such as cuts or common colds easily develop into larger problems such as infections or pneumonia. Numerous health conditions among people who are homeless are frequently a complex mix of serious physical, mental health, substance use, and social problems. Poor health, high stress, unhealthy and dangerous environments, and an inability to control food intake often result in frequent visits to emergency rooms and hospitalizations. 

Recovery and healing are more difficult without housing

Stable housing not only provides privacy and safety, it is also a place to rest and recuperate from surgery, illness, and other ailments without worry about where to sleep and find a meal, or how to balance these needs with obtaining health care and social services. The best, most coordinated medical services are not very effective if the patient’s health is continually compromised by street and shelter conditions. Even inpatient hospitalization or residential drug treatment and mental health care do not have lasting impacts if a client has to return to the streets or shelters upon discharge. Source

Let's create a solution; Housing and health care work best together and are essential to preventing and ending homelessness. Health care services are more effective when a patient is stably housed, and in turn, maintaining housing is more likely if proper health care services are delivered. While there are many factors that influence health, stable housing is a key “social determinant of health” that directly impacts health outcomes. While some need only short-term assistance to regain health and reconnect to employment and housing on their own, others may be so seriously ill and/or disabled they will need longer-term support services in order to maintain housing. Either way, housing is necessary to realize a healthier society. Communities that invest in affordable housing incur lower public costs, achieve better health outcomes, and work to prevent and end homelessness.