The Economic Consequences of Homelessness in The US

Mental Illness and Homelessness: Facts and Figures
By Mingu Kim '18 | Staff Writer
Posted on July 31, 2017
Homelessness is a serious problem in the United States – an extensive study by the
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development showed that over 500,000 people
are homeless on any given night. This number has been steadily increasing since the
1970s, with homelessness becoming prevalent not only in major cities but also in
smaller towns. Mental illness affects a significant proportion of the homeless population.
A study by the National Institute of Mental Health found that approximately 6% of
Americans are severely mentally ill, compared to the 20-25% of the homeless
population that suffers from severe mental illness. Furthermore, 45% of the homeless
population shows history of mental illness diagnoses.
Mental illness is also often cited as a major cause of homelessness, illustrating a
causative relationship that extends beyond mere correlation. Unsurprisingly, mental
illnesses can strain relationships with others, disrupt capabilities of self-care, and
interrupt the routine of a daily job, which are all factors that can lead to homelessness.
Also, people who are homeless and suffer from mental illness are more prone to
problems in physical health due to neglect of self-care, leading to prevalence of
respiratory infections, HIV, and substance abuse. Studies show that psychotic homeless
Page 87 of 289