Homelessness Among Those with Mental Illness - 1079 Words

According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, it is imperative that a persons physiological needs are met first and foremost. These basic needs include essentials such as food, water, clothing and shelter. If these are not met, other needs such as safety, security, belonging, and esteem are unattainable. These hierarchy of needs are not excluded from those who suffer from mental illnesses. Many North American cities are facing an increasing problem with homelessness. Unfortunately nearly one-third of homeless people in the US have severe mental illness (Stuart, 2009, p. 633). These include illnesses such as schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, and/or bipolar affective disorder (Stergiopoulos, et al., 2008, p. 62). Consequently, homeless†¦show more content†¦These losses eventually led to withdrawal of support system and ultimately ended in homelessness. Participants reported homelessness resulted in a loss of privacy, a place to have personal possessions, as well as a site for relationships and other aspects of home-life. (Kirkpatrick, 2008, p.73) Adopting the ‘housing first’ philosophy, in 1999, the Canadian government initiated the HOMES (Housing with Outreach, Mobile and Engagement Services) Program, providing housing and support for 1000 homeless people with serious mental illnesses (Kirkpatrick, 2008, p. 69). The study focused mainly on the process of moving on from life’s hardships and providing a second chance in society more so than the effects of mental illness on the participants. By establishing stable housing and providing necessary physical and psychiatric treatment, the participants of the study showed much improvement allowing them to feel a sense of control and opportunities to reconnect with estranged friends and family (Kirkpatrick, 2008, p. 74). One participant was even able to regain visitation rights to her children due to the apartment the HOMES program provided, while another was able to find regula r employment (Kirkpatrick, 2008, p. 73). This indicates that with the proper funding and adequate support services, many mentally ill patients can be successfully integrated and become active participants in their communities. According to the RNAO (Canada), â€Å"nurses cannot speak out for healthShow MoreRelatedThe Problems of Homelessness and Mental Illness1536 Words   |  6 Pagesï » ¿Introduction The problems of homelessness and mental illness are inextricably intertwined. One way that mental illness impacts peoples lives is that it oftentimes renders them unable to carry out the functions of daily life, such as keeping a job, paying their bills, and managing a household. In addition to disrupting the events of daily life, mental illness may also prevent people from forming and maintaining stable relationships or cause people to misinterpret others guidance and react irrationallyRead MoreThe Effects Of Homeless Conditions, Drug Abuse, And Mental Illness1464 Words   |  6 Pages A study of the Impact a Correlation of Homeless conditions, Drug Abuse, and Mental illness has on the Health and Wellbeing of Individuals Robin Mullineaux Salt Lake Community College Abstract This paper utilizes five peer reviewed articles for the purpose of identifying the interconnections between psychiatric conditions, self-medication and Homelessness. Depending on the severity of the psychiatric disorder, circumstances can lead to a homeless situation or nomadic lifestyle. ItRead MoreHomelessness Is The Issue And Problem Of Homelessness1567 Words   |  7 PagesHomelessness Defined: A key issue society currently faces is the issue and problem of homelessness. In January of 2016, approximately 549,928 American individuals were experiencing homelessness (HUD’s 2016 annual assessment, 2016). Most research concerning homelessness agrees that definitions of homelessness vary and that there are several challenges researchers encounter while attempting to study homelessness due the transient nature of homelessness along with other inconsistencies and barriersRead MoreHomelessness Is Becoming An Epidemic1566 Words   |  7 PagesHomelessness in Persons with Persons with Schizophrenia Homelessness is increasingly becoming an epidemic in North America as many cities grabble with this menace. According to the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness, about 35000 Canadians are homeless on a given night, while 235,000 Canadians experience homelessness in a year. According to the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness Homelessness Research Network, â€Å"homelessness is described as the situation of an individual or family without stableRead MoreHomeless Research Paper1487 Words   |  6 Pagesmillion people experience homelessness in the US every year (NCH,1). But what is homelessness? Jim Baumohl, a noted author, explained in Homelessness in America, the most common definition of homelessness used by researchers is the â€Å"absence of belonging to a specific place or to people† (NCH, 3). However, there is no set definition, due to the variety of living conditions a homeless person encounters, and the opinions of the researchers. As Baumohl pointed out, â€Å"homelessness is but the latest of manyRead MoreHomelessness and Mental Illness1095 Words   |  5 Pagesthis man has a mental illness as well. Homelessness and mental illness are linked. These two happenings have similar beginnings. Homelessness is influenced by drug and alcohol disuse, being homeless at a young age, money problems, and trauma symptoms. Mental illness is caused by many of the same things, but it can also happen at birth. The effects that each entity has on a person are comparable. Rehabilitation is a necessary process if a victim of homelessness and or mental illness wants to rejoinRead MoreHomelessness : A Worldwide Public Health Crisis Essay1423 Words   |  6 PagesHomelessness: A Worldwide Public Health Crisis In the United States, there were approximately 564,708 people who were homeless on a single winter night in 2015 (Housing and Urban Development, 2015). Worldwide, acquiring an accurate picture of homelessness has proven challenging due to varying definitions country to country. Furthermore, data on homelessness has also proven to be extremely sparse in many parts of the world. The last worldwide survey was attempted by the United Nations. Based onRead MoreHomeless On A Single Winter Night Essay1507 Words   |  7 Pagesacquiring an accurate picture of homelessness has proven challenging due to varying definitions country to country. Furthermore, data on homelessness has also proven to be extremely sparse in many parts of the world. The last worldwide survey was attempted by the United Nations. Based on the survey it was estimated that 100 million people were homeless across the world (United Nations, 2005). Due to the lack of data, greater focus should be placed on the issue of homelessness. Considering the well-knownRead MoreFive Myths About America1082 Words   |  5 Pagesadministration released a plan designed to end homelessness in 10 years. The goal reflects new optimism among academics and advocates that homelessness is not an intractable feature of urban life, as it has sometimes seemed, but a problem that can be solved. This belief is fueled by recent research debunking a number of long-standing myths about homelessness in America -- and showing that many of our old policies were unwittingly making the problem worse. 1. Homelessness is usually a long-term condition. ToRead MoreThe Problem Of Homeless People1280 Words   |  6 PagesWhen thinking of homeless people, one would probably think of a bum who is an addict or alcoholic. Homelessness affects a variety of people. Homelessness as an issue in today s society is largely ignored. The problem of homelessness is barely noticed. The growing population of homeless people is shown that more people are still suffering financial problems and struggling in maintaining their life basis. Many families and children have experienced trauma prior to becoming homeless. Parents are