Ending Chronic Homelessness

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Homelessness and Health
The relationship between health and homelessness are closely associated. An illness can quickly lead to homelessness and homelessness itself can cause severe medical conditions or may result in substance abuse problems (Hwang 2001). Many people in our society become chronically homeless when their health condition becomes incapacitating, and sustaining a home becomes impossible (Hwang 2001). The homeless population is at greater risk of health problems such as seizures, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, tuberculosis, musculoskeletal disorder and skin and feet problems (Hwang 2001). In addition, nearly 20 percent of the homeless population had a chronic substance abuse problem or have a serious mental illness (Hwang
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The council is comprised of the 19 federal members agencies (“Ending Chronic Homelessness,” 2017). Together they have developed a comprehensive strategy called “Opening Doors” to prevent and end homelessness (“Ending Chronic Homelessness,” 2017). In this strategy they have identified four goals: Prevent and end homelessness among Veterans in 2015, end chronic homelessness in 2017, end homelessness for families with children and youth in 2020 and set a path to ending all types of homelessness (“Ending Chronic Homelessness,” 2017). At the state level, Governor Jerry Brown refuses to declare a state of emergency on homelessness (Sewell, 2016). The county supervisors pleaded with the governor to declare a state of emergency, which would allow more financial assistance from the state to fight homelessness (Sewell, 2016). In addition, governor Brown opposed a bill that would grant the county authority to imply a special tax on incomes over $1 million to pay for programs to prevent homelessness. At the county level, County Supervisor of the 2nd District, Mark Ridley-Thomas leads the campaign in for Measure H, which would generate $350 million annually for multidimensional services and housing assistance (Smith, 2017). This proposition will coincide with …show more content…
Permanent supportive housing is a proven intervention that has reduced homelessness, increased housing tenure, and decreased emergency room visits (Rog et al., 2014). Permanent Supportive Housing is effective, recent research shows that homeless people that are involved in this program remained housed (Rog et al., 2014). In addition, in 2015, within the Los Angeles Continuum of Care, 96% of formerly homeless people living in permanent supportive housing remained housed (Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority, 2015). Permanent supportive housing grants homeless people quality health care by providing a physical home, which will reduce exposure to harsh weather, disease, infections and injury (Rog et al., 2014). Additionally, supportive staffs provide tenants with mental health services; substance abuse rehabilitation and primary medical care services (Rog et al., 2014). Research has found that 50 percent of permanent supportive housing resident experienced improved health status, 43 percent had better mental health outcomes and 15 percent reduced substance use. In another study, permanent supportive housing residents with HIV/AIDS had much higher levels of survival than those who were homeless (Rog et al., 2014). This is a measure that has research to support its