final research paper

Zapata 1 Franceska Zapata Mr. Davis Government 1 2 November 2016 Homelessness Among industrialized nations, the United States has the largest number of homeless women and children in the world. To effectively end homelessness, we need to address its causes. There are 600,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night in the United States. Of those, approximately 200,000 suffer from serious mental illness or substance abuse problems. In the U.S., mental illness is more common than cancer, diabetes, or heart disease, and it has been described by the American Medical Association as one of the nation's major health problems. The links between mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness are well known. People living with mental health problems or alcohol and drug addictions have a high risk of becoming homeless. People who are homeless have a high risk of developing mental health problems as well as alcohol and drug addictions. People with certain mental illnesses tend to develop substance abuse problems. People with substance abuse problems tend to develop mental illnesses. We should envision a just, humane, and healthy society in which all people with mental illness or having other issues affecting mental health are accorded respect, dignity, and the opportunity to achieve their full potential, free from stigma and discrimination. Most individuals who are homeless rarely have substance use disorders alone - many have serious mental illnesses, acute and chronic physical health problems, and histories of trauma. Often, people with untreated mental illnesses use street drugs as an inappropriate form of selfmedication. Sadly, these people are often unable to find treatment facilities that will help them.

Zapata 2 Many programs for homeless people with mental illnesses do not accept people with substance abuse disorders, and many programs for homeless substance abusers do not treat people with mental illnesses. There is an incredible need for change amongst the homeless population, treating the issue does in fact have a positive outcome, and taking on this issue is quite cost effective. With many individuals living on the streets, there is a great amount of suffering. Severe illnesses such as schizophrenia, depression, and manic-depressive illness affect many homeless people. Mental illness is the main cause of the majority of men, women, and children become homeless due to weak support systems, deinstitutionalization, employment restrictions, and substance abuse. Out of 610,000 people who were homeless on a single night, one in five had a serious mental illness, and slightly more than one in five had a chronic substance abuse problem (Adetula74).Although obtaining an accurate, recent count is difficult, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2003) estimates, 38% of homeless people were dependent on alcohol and 26% abused other drugs. Substance abuse is much more common among homeless people than in the general population. 6% of the American population suffers from mental illness (Causes of Homelessness). In the homeless population, that number jumps to 20-25% (Causes of Homelessness). Serious mental illnesses interrupts people’s capability to continue with necessary aspects of daily life, such as self care and household management. Without assistance, these men and women have little chance of gaining stability. The percentage of veterans with post-traumatic stress is growing among those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Adapting to “normal life” back in the U.S. is proving to be extremely difficult for the men and women who have served us. Between 2004 and 2006, 7.1% of U.S. veterans met the

Zapata 3 criteria for a substance use disorder (Office of Public Affairs).There are very few federal substance abuse treatment and prevention programs targeted to fund solely for the homeless. People need to understand that the needs of the homeless are different than those of others. Thus, programs need to be implemented to insure these needs. The few programs that already exist need to be strengthened. Many believe that all homeless are drug abusers and alcoholics. This stereotype is thought about within many individuals. The truth of it all is that substance abuse is the cause and result of homelessness. There is a very high percentage of homeless people who struggle with mental illness and substance abuse, but that doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t both be viewed as illnesses that require treatment and support. Nowadays, major studies have been done to show that treatment is extremely effective. Over 60% of people who are chronically homelessness have experienced lifetime mental health problems (Thompson 102). Mainstream social programs, do have the ability to prevent and end homelessness. These are programs like welfare, health care, mental health care, substance abuse treatment, veteran's assistance and so on. The researchers saw more improvement when they looked at the impact of intervention programs aimed at improving the mental health of people living in poverty. Budget proposal includes more than $5.69 billion for targeted homeless assistance funding. Chronic homelessness has declined by 16 percent, and homelessness among Veterans has declined by 24 percent (United States Integracy).The interventions they reviewed varied from administration of psychiatric drugs, to community-based rehabilitation programs, to individual or group psychotherapy, to residential drug treatment, to family education. They also

Zapata 4 looked at the impact of mental health help on the rate and duration of employment and on family finances. Financial situations improved as their mental health improved. According to the 2003 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Report, most homeless persons with mental illness do not need to be institutionalized, but can live in the community with the appropriate supportive housing options and services (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2003). Many Americans with substance abuse dependencies, both housed and homeless do not receive the treatment they need. In fact, the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD) estimated that in 2005, over 19.3 million people needed, but did not receive, addiction treatment services (Why are People). Since many homeless people do not have health insurance, substance abuse treatment may be too difficult to get. Simply because one has and illness does not indicate that they need to be institutionalized, rather they can recuperate back into a stable living. Last, the chronically homeless are a very costly population to serve. A large number of the chronically homeless have chronic substance abuse problems, mental illnesses, HIV/AIDS, or other threatening health problems. 241,951 persons in families were homeless in shelters, transitional housing programs, or on the streets (37.2% of all homeless persons) (Education for Homeless). Due to the wide range of service use, recent studies estimate that the average annual cost of services for the chronically homeless is $44,733 in 2006 dollars (HHS). Therefore, it can be cost effective to help the chronically homeless. Second, other homeless programs focused on helping the chronically homeless have been deemed successful. Overall homelessness decreased by 2.3 percent and homelessness decreased among every major subpopulation: unsheltered persons (10 percent), families (2.7 percent), chronically homeless individuals (2.5 percent), and

Zapata 5 veterans (10.5 percent) ( HHS). Case studies in New York City, Denver, and Portland have revealed that providing housing and services to homeless people with disabilities can be costeffective. A cost study of rural homelessness from Portland, ME found large cost reductions when given permanent supportive housing as opposed to serving the people while they remain homeless (Cost of Homeless). The study specifically noted a 57 percent reduction in the cost of mental health services over a six-month period, partly due to a 79 percent drop in the cost of psychiatric hospitalization (Cost of Homeless). By proving funding for preventative mental health care, there would be millions of dollars being saved per year. In order for the government to succeed in addressing homelessness, there must be a focus on the association between homelessness and substance abuse. In New York City and elsewhere, advocates are reluctant to publicize the connection between substance abuse and homelessness (Fordham Urban Law). Federal laws and programs that attempt to deal with homelessness do not provide an inclusive approach to treating those who are both homeless and substance abusers. The Constitution does not provide a right to shelter, there is little to no rights of the poor that state constitutions provide. There is a clear relationship between chronic homelessness and substance abuse in the United States. In an increasingly competitive affordable housing market, drug and alcohol abusers are the last to qualify for housing benefits and thus, end up on the streets more so than the rest of the low-income population. There is insufficient subsidized housing (U.S Department)."Homeless people need to just get a job" Attempting to get a job is a difficult challenge for many; therefore there is no doubt that it is harder on someone who is homeless. Many experience lack of showers, clean clothing, transportation, and even a stable phone and address. If a homeless person did find a job, the low income that they would receive

Zapata 6 would not be enough to sustain them, especially in times like these. "People are homeless by choice" There is not someone who starts out life aspiring to be homeless. There are people who lose jobs leading into loss of housing, some struggle with mental illness, others have faced traumatic events. Outside factors have a strong influence on the poor choices that can have an effect on homelessness. Many believe that funding should come from the state government instead of the federal government. Other also argue that there is already funding from the federal government from such programs therefore there is no need for more. Both of these statements do not provide a sufficient amount for the homeless. By supporting the funding for individuals with mental illness and/ or substance abuse issues, reinstating them back into society will become that much easier. “We need more money,” says Barbara DiPietro, the director of policy for the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, “Until then, we’re just rearranging the priority list.” She has a good point because if change does not occur then the same issues will continue and even for the worse. There is a clear need for funding, until that occurs, society is just moving in the same cycle. Some people are homeless for just a lack of affordable housing, some are dealing with mental illness or drug addiction, some are dealing with stress disorders triggered by war. These issues often create a snowball effect making it difficult to see the solution for an individual or the entire system. In these difficult economic times, Americans deserve our government's support, and it is our responsibility to help those who need it the most. Congress needs to create a plan by which they move from a system that focuses on providing only partial time to living in shelters to one that moves people into permanent housing, and provides support and social services.

Zapata 7 We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty. - Mother Teresa Those who are in need; the most helpless members of society, tend to get the least care. Each and every human being on this earth deserves to be treated with dignity but substance abuse and mental illness are surrounded by stigma that barricades individuals from taking initiative. We should increase federal funding for mental health care services and substance abuse treatment facility centers that support and empower the most vulnerable members of society, to recover from mental illness and drug addiction, and reinstate them back into society.

Works Cited Web: 1. "Causes of Homelessness." Portland Rescue Mission. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Oct. 2015. . 2. "Cost of Homelessness." National Alliance to End Homelessness:. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Oct. 2015. . 3. "Education for Homeless Children and Youths - Grants for State and Local Activities." Education for Homeless Children and Youths - Grants for State and Local Activities. N.p.,Web. 19 Oct. 2015. . 4. "Fordham Urban Law." "Homelessness & Substance Abuse" by Melanie B. Abbott. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Oct. 2015. . 5. "HHS.gov." HHS.gov. N.p., Web. 18 Oct. 2015. . 6."Office of Public Affairs." Veteran Homelessness -. N.p., Web. 19 Oct. 2015. . 7. "United States Interagency Council on Homelessness." Rural Homelessness. N.p.,Web. 18 Oct. 2015. . 8."U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)." U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Oct. 2015 .

9. "Why Are People Homeless?" National Coalition for the Homeless. N.p., July 2009. Web. 30 Oct. 2015. . Book: 1. Adetula, E. The Politics of Homelessness in America. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print. 2.Thompson, T. Homelessness. Detroit: Greenhaven, 2012. Print.