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.

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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 peoples 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

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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 doesnt mean that they shouldnt 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

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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

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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

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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, were 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.

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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.
<http://www.portlandrescuemission.org/learn-more/causes-of-homelessness/>.
2. "Cost of Homelessness." National Alliance to End Homelessness:. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Oct.
2015. <http://www.endhomelessness.org/pages/cost_of_homelessness>.
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. <http://www2.ed.gov>.
4. "Fordham Urban Law." "Homelessness & Substance Abuse" by Melanie B. Abbott. N.p., n.d.
Web. 30 Oct. 2015. <http://ir.lawnet.fordham.edu/ulj/vol22/iss1/1/>.
5. "HHS.gov." HHS.gov. N.p., Web. 18 Oct. 2015. <http://www.hhs.gov/>.
6."Office of Public Affairs." Veteran Homelessness -. N.p., Web. 19 Oct. 2015.
<http://www.va.gov/opa/issues/Homelessness.asp>.
7. "United States Interagency Council on Homelessness." Rural Homelessness.
N.p.,Web. 18 Oct. 2015. <http://usich.gov/issue/rural_homelessness>.
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
<http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/>.

9. "Why Are People Homeless?" National Coalition for the Homeless. N.p., July 2009. Web. 30
Oct. 2015. <http://www.nationalhomeless.org/factsheets/why.html>.
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.