What are the causes of homelessness?
Each night, hundreds of thousands of people are homeless in the United States. Some of these people are chronically homeless, while others have temporarily lost their shelter. The reasons why they are homelessness are complex. They can include a combination of factors such as
Poverty
Unemployment
Lack of affordable housing
Mental and substance use disorders
Trauma and violence
Domestic violence
Justice-system involvement
Sudden serious illness
Divorce
Death of a partner or parent
Disabilities
What is the link between homelessness and health?
Poor health can contribute to homelessness. And being homeless can contribute to poor health. Many of the problems that homeless people face can make their health worse, including
Limited access to health care
Problems getting enough food
Trouble staying safe
Violence
Stress
Unsanitary living conditions
Exposure to severe weather
What are some of the common health problems that homeless people have?
Some of the common health problems that homeless people may have include
HIV/AIDS
Lung diseases, including bronchitis, tuberculosis, and pneumonia
Malnutrition
Mental health problems
Substance use problems
Wounds and skin infections
Many homeless people are dealing with trauma. They may have been abused or assaulted. This includes homeless children, who are at risk for emotional and behavioral problems.
Contact your local homelessness assistance agency to get the help you need, such as access to shelters, health centers, and free meals.
