A Better Approach: Why a Guaranteed Micro-Income Could Be the Solution for Broader Mental Health Access in The Unhoused Community

 

Everywhere across the United States, homelessness continuously rises, and individuals with mental disabilities are often the most affected by this. Portland Street Medicine (PSM) reported that in Multnomah County alone, there were more than 40% of unhoused individuals suffering from severe mental health issues. Many of them live with illnesses like schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or other conditions that make it nearly impossible to find and keep a job. Applying for things such as benefits, and medications can also be too difficult when dealing with mental disorders. PSM also notes that more than over 80% of the homeless population lives with at least one disability, and due to the lack of consistent care their health care outcome dramatically worsens.

Not only do they suffer from mental illness, but they also are living outside which intensifies the challenges they face. People with mental disabilities will often struggle with management of their medication. They face stigmas in shelters, street violence trauma, and majority of the time they have no access to internet to even see a care provider. It’s a devastating situation. PSM estimates the life expectancy of a homeless person with a mental disability is just 47 years.

The Solution

A guaranteed micro-income, which is a small but steady monthly cash payment, can offer a realistic and humane approach for mentally disabled people who are experience homelessness. This approach is not about handouts. It’s about providing stability for those who unfortunately cannot achieve it on their own due to mental illness barriers.

A guaranteed income can help pay for things such as:

-        Prescriptions

-        Mobile phone

-        Safe place to sleep

-        Hygiene supplies

-        Transportation

Why it Matters

The mentally disabled homeless population cannot pull themselves up alone. To sit back and expect them to somehow fix their situation without any resources is both unrealistic and downright cruel. A guaranteed micro-income will be a fair and compassionate support system that meets the people where they are. Mental illness does not discriminate. It can affect your family members or even you.

Why You Should Care

Mentally disable homeless are not beyond help.  With the right resources they can have a fighting chance. A guaranteed micro-income is a tangible, evidence based way of restoring hope and stability. It consistently provides support, it reduces public cost, and it empowers the individual to take their own lives into their hands. No one should be punished for being mentally ill or homeless.

 

Click here to learn more >  The Problem — Portland Street Medicine