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Homelessness and Healthcare in Chester County
Homelessness itself is a serious health condition. According to the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, people who are homeless have higher rates of illness and die on average 12 years sooner than the general U.S. population. Individuals without stable housing are also more likely to suffer from chronic illnesses, mental health issues, and substance abuse disorders. An injury or illness can quickly turn into homelessness when you account for the loss of employment that comes with being ill, the unhealthy living conditions that exacerbate any health issues, and the lack of access to healthcare.
Homelessness itself is a serious health condition. According to the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, people who are homeless have higher rates of illness and die on average 12 years sooner than the general U.S. population. Individuals without stable housing are also more likely to suffer from chronic illnesses, mental health issues, and substance abuse disorders. An injury or illness can quickly turn into homelessness when you account for the loss of employment that comes with being ill, the unhealthy living conditions that exacerbate any health issues, and the lack of access to healthcare.
From Injury to Homelessness
Illness and injuries are a major cause of homelessness. Initially, a health condition can lead to employment issues due to frequent absences, depletion of sick leave, and an inability to maintain a regular work schedule. This is particularly apparent in physically demanding, labor-intensive industries such as construction or manufacturing, where an injury may make it impossible to continue to work. The resulting job loss creates a vicious cycle: without income, paying for necessary healthcare becomes impossible, preventing recovery and reemployment. Savings deplete quickly, and relying on family and friends for support is often a short-term solution, leading to housing instability or homelessness.
The Impact of Unhealthy Living Conditions
The absence of essential resources like clean water and sanitation creates a vicious cycle where poor health both causes and results from homelessness. Living on the streets or in crowded shelters is extremely stressful, increasing exposure to communicable diseases, violence, and malnutrition. Homeless individuals have exposure to harsh elements such as extreme heat, rain, and snow, among other elements, making it impossible to recover from illness. Managing chronic diseases and healing from infections or injuries becomes incredibly challenging without a stable place to live, especially without access to regular medications or if medications are lost or stolen on the streets. These conditions underscore the urgent need for stable housing as a foundation for effective healthcare.
Barriers to Healthcare Due to Medical Costs
Many individuals face barriers such as high medical costs, transportation issues, and limited availability of services. Patients without housing are more likely to be admitted to hospitals several times for the same condition, and when admitted tend to stay 2.3 days longer. As a result, healthcare costs multiply for homeless individuals.
What We’re Doing to Help
The Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness has supported partners in increasing the availability of affordable housing units and in offering various support services, including the Eviction Prevention Case Resolution program and emergency rental assistance. These programs aim to provide immediate relief and long-term stability for those at risk of homelessness. However, while the latest Point-In-Time Count shows an overall decrease in homelessness, the latest Continuum of Care System Performance Data highlights a concerning increase in the average length of stay in emergency by 61% from 103 days in 2022 to 128 days in 2023 due to continued inflation, the high cost of housing, fewer openings in the rapid rehousing programs, and fewer vouchers issued through the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Crucial programs have also faced funding cuts, further straining the system.
How You Can Help
To support the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness and make a tangible impact, please consider giving to the Partnership’s Fund. Your contributions help provide essential services and support to those in need.
Home on the Mind: The Relationship Between Mental Health and Housing
In our ongoing effort to tackle homelessness in Chester County grasping the connection between mental health and homelessness is crucial for fostering a community where every individual can thrive. Read on to learn more about how you can make a difference.
In our ongoing effort to tackle homelessness in Chester County, grasping the connection between mental health and homelessness is crucial for fostering a community where every individual can thrive.
Dispelling Myths and Embracing Reality
The relationship between mental health and homelessness is often misunderstood, leading to stigma and misconceptions. As Dr. Deborah K. Padgett, a Professor at New York University, highlights, the journey from mental health challenges to homelessness is often paved with systemic inadequacies, including the scarcity of community support for those with serious mental illness. Individuals experiencing homelessness and mental illness represent a minority – according to one Point-In-Time count in 2022, only 21% of those experiencing homelessness reported having a serious mental illness. However, the tie between mental illness and homelessness looms large in public perceptions.
Hope in Housing First
In the realm of homelessness and mental health, housing stands as a beacon of stability amidst turbulent waters. Housing is more than just a roof over one's head; it's a sanctuary where individuals can reclaim their dignity, autonomy, and sense of belonging. The Housing First approach, championed by experts like Padgett, offers a transformative paradigm shift where the immediacy of secure housing is coupled with the tailored scaffolding of support services. In other words, Housing First recognizes that stable housing is not a reward for recovery, but rather a prerequisite for it.
The Challenge of Stigma
One prevalent barrier faced by communities is the "Not In My Backyard" or NIMBY mentality, hindering efforts to address mental health and homelessness. Overcoming stigma, supporting treatment adherence, and ensuring the availability of peer support services are among the challenges we must confront. Yet, with organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and initiatives like the Early Psychosis Intervention Network, communities are taking strides towards inclusivity and support.
Voices of Resilience
Another important consideration is the role of individuals with lived experience. Peer support services provided by those who have walked similar paths can be a beacon of hope for those navigating mental health challenges during and following homelessness. For example, Peer Recovery Support Specialists (PSPs) engage their peers and assist them in managing recovery efforts, and are empowered to seek support that meet their peers’ specific needs.. By amplifying their voices and experiences, we not only dismantle stereotypes but also pave the way for a more compassionate and understanding society.
Additional Peer Support Resources
How You Can Help
As we reflect on the intertwined nature of mental health and homelessness, it's clear that solutions require a collective effort rooted in empathy and driven by a shared commitment to uplift every member of our community. Please consider supporting people with lived experience today by donating to the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness’ Lived Experience Advisory Board.