The Economic Consequences of Homelessness in The US

Below are their edited responses to common questions about mental illness and
homelessness:
Are most homeless people mentally ill?
A relatively small percentage of all homeless people nationwide — 13% to 15% — are
mentally ill, but their symptoms — paranoia and delusions — draw attention and
mislead others into thinking their numbers are greater, Culhane said.
However, Los Angeles’ homeless population skews heavily to single adults who have
lived in the streets a year or longer — a subgroup with a high incidence of mental health
issues. Local authorities estimate that 30% of the county’s homeless people have
serious mental illness.
Does chronic homelessness cause mental illness, or is it the other way around?
Lipka said employees at his agency don’t see people developing serious mental illness
by virtue of their homelessness. But “I do believe long-term isolation can lead to mental
illness,” said Steve Elam, Step Up lead life skills coordinator.
Culhane said severely mentally ill people sometimes get treatment and aid that prevents
them from becoming homeless.
How many homeless people are physically or mentally disabled?
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