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The Economic Consequences of Homelessness in The US

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mental illnesses. Across these studies, an average <strong>of</strong> 60% <strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong>dividuals us<strong>in</strong>g the IPS<br />

model obta<strong>in</strong>ed competitive employment; also, these <strong>in</strong>dividuals reta<strong>in</strong>ed their <strong>in</strong>itial job<br />

placement for 8 to 10 months and reported higher self-esteem and reduced mental<br />

health service use.<br />

<strong>Homelessness</strong> Prevention Programs: While <strong>in</strong>terventions for those experienc<strong>in</strong>g<br />

literal homelessness are critical, public policy and resources should also focus on<br />

prevent<strong>in</strong>g homelessness, particularly among youths, families, and veterans. Youths<br />

exit<strong>in</strong>g foster care are at high risk <strong>of</strong> homelessness due to lack <strong>of</strong> social support, poorer<br />

health outcomes, and underemployment, and many young homeless families are led by<br />

those who recently exited foster care. Homeless prevention programs for youths<br />

transition<strong>in</strong>g from foster care should <strong>in</strong>clude <strong>in</strong>creased access to mentor<strong>in</strong>g,<br />

employment and education support, and connection with permanent hous<strong>in</strong>g. In<br />

addition to educational and vocational resources, supportive services for families who<br />

are at risk <strong>of</strong> homelessness should focus on identify<strong>in</strong>g and address<strong>in</strong>g developmental<br />

delays <strong>in</strong> children, <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g access to treatment for parental substance abuse or<br />

mental health conditions, and provid<strong>in</strong>g parental support. Multidiscipl<strong>in</strong>ary teams<br />

work<strong>in</strong>g across schools, cl<strong>in</strong>ics, and social services are critical <strong>in</strong> identify<strong>in</strong>g children<br />

and families <strong>in</strong> need and arrang<strong>in</strong>g for appropriate resources.<br />

In the case <strong>of</strong> veterans who are at risk <strong>of</strong> homelessness, the VA has dedicated more<br />

than $1 billion <strong>in</strong> fund<strong>in</strong>g for homelessness prevention and rapid rehous<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>itiatives<br />

Page 105 <strong>of</strong> 289

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