Mental Health and Homelessness

(Photo credit: Fred Victor)

Mental health conditions are highly prevalent in homeless populations. According to the 2022 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report, 21% of individuals experiencing homelessness reported having a serious mental illness. Homelessness and mental health are thus clearly related. Mental health can be the cause of homelessness. Individuals who have mental health conditions are at a much greater risk of becoming homeless. Homelessness in turn can trigger those conditions in homeless people due to perpetual safety worries. 

According to a survey conducted by The Oregonians/OregonLive in late 2021, 63% of 300 unhoused Portlanders experienced some types of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorder. Despite the prevalence of this issue, not many homeless people have an opportunity to get full treatment and complete recovery as it is challenging for them to access the psychiatric care. Transportation, cost of care, stigma and discrimination as well as survival, which is their top priority, prevent them from obtaining appropriate health care. Moreover, the psychiatric hospital capacity strain in Oregon exacerbates the limited access to mental health treatment. This can lead to the increased morbidity and mortality in homeless populations. 

Due to the complexity of homelessness, we need an extensive measurement as well as the whole community engagement to end this vicious cycle. To tackle this problem, Oregon has implemented a new program in which the Medicaid funds can be used to pay for up to six months rent. This can help with alleviating the impact of housing instability on the access to healthcare in general. But a long-term approach is still needed that help people experiencing homelessness secure a stable income to afford their basic needs, including health care. We can also contribute to reducing homelessness at an individual level by being involved in outreach programs as either an employee or a volunteer. Specifically, Portlanders can volunteer at Portland Street Medicine, Portland Rescue Mission, and shelter and addiction treatment centers in Multnomah County. We need to take action immediately if we want to stop this never-ending cycle. Big changes can start with small actions. 

If you're interested in learning more about this issue and would like to get involved, here are some resources: 

• https://www.multco.us/dd/shelter-and-homeless-services
• https://portlandrescuemission.org/
• https://www.portlandstreetmedicine.org/

References:

Balasuriya, L., Buelt, E., & Tsai, J. (2020, May 29). The Never-Ending Loop: Homelessness, 

        Psychiatric Disorder, and Mortality. Psychiatric 

        Times. https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/never-ending-loop-homelessness-psychiatric-

        disorder-and-mortality

Dembosky, A., Templeton, A., & Feibel, C., (2023, March 31). When homelessness and mental 

        illness overlap, is forced to treatment compassionate. NPR. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-

        shots/2023/03/31/1164281917/when-homelessness-and-mental-illness-overlap-is-compulsory-

        treatment-compassiona

Oregonian/OregonLive, N. H. | T. (2022, June 12). 63% of homeless Portlanders reports suffering 

        from mental health issues and say they need more help: False promises survey. 

        OregonLive. https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2022/06/63-of-homeless-portlanders-report-

        suffering-from-mental-health-issues-and-say-they-need-more-help-false-promises       

   survey.html#:~:text=is%20not%20unique.-,A%20survey%20of%20300%20unsheltered%20Portlan

        ders%20commissioned%20by%20The%20Oregonian,able%20to%20access%20help%20yet.

Saldua, M., (2023, November 15). Addressing Social Determinants of Health Among Individuals 

        Experiencing Homelessness. SAMHSA. https://www.samhsa.gov/blog/addressing-social-

        determinants-health-among-individuals-experiencing-homelessness