The Economic Consequences of Homelessness in The US

clashes with the law and time in jail (Mental Illness And Homelessness: Hose 'em
Down)
little or no access to support systems (mental health care, social support, family
support, etc.)
isolation due to prejudices, misunderstandings, and mistreatment (Mental Illness
Myths And The Damage They Cause)
government policies and insurance policies that make accessing mental health
care difficult for many and impossible for some; without help and treatment,
mental illness symptoms worsen and the risk of homelessness further increases.
While each of these contributing factors can lead to or exacerbate existing mental
illness as well as result in homelessness, it's unlikely that any single item will create
mental illness and/or homelessness. Instead, it's the interplay of all, or at least several,
of them that plays a part in the development of both mental illness and homelessness.
Support for Mentally Ill Homeless
Despite the fact that it can be difficult to access, there is help available because
homelessness and mental illness shouldn't have to coexist.
outreach: in many cities, organizations have people who hit the streets and meet
the homeless where they are, and they provide information to help connect the
mentally ill homeless to resources
social security provided by the government (this requires an address, and some
shelters allow people to pick up their mail there, the post office may allow
homeless individuals to pick up mail there, or the homeless person may use the
address of someone they know)
shelters
temporary housing; the Department of Housing and Urban Development has a
list of online resources by state to help people locate temporary housing
agencies.
The key to ending the cycle of mental illness and homelessness is treatment for mental
illness (How to Find Mental Health Services in Your Area). Without treatment and
support, people with mental illness won't be able to remain in housing once they receive
it. Not just that, but like all human beings, the homeless mentally ill deserve to have
their basic needs met, and beyond that, create wellbeing.
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