R2010-35 PLACING ON FILE - 10 YEAR PLAN TO END CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS

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� Alcohol and Substance Abuse. Fourteen of the 18 self-reported problems with addictive drinking and drug use. This was consistent with national data which finds a correlation between substance use disorders and chronic homelessness. However, it was surprising that so many individuals acknowledged their substance use addictions. Many of them expressed concerns about drinking and drug use in shelters and other housing, including some facilities where alcohol and drugs are prohibited. They said the presence of alcohol and drugs presented them with strong temptations. Some said they would rather live on the streets than in a shelter or housing project where others used alcohol and drugs. • Mental Illness. The majority of persons interviewed acknowledged histories of inental illnesses. As with substance abuse, this was consistent with national data. However, the fact that so many of them were open about their mental health issues was unexpected. Almost every one in this subgroup was in treatment at Heritage Behavioral Health Center, and they readily discussed the importance of staying on medications. This was very unusual; in most communities, the mentally ill homeless population is not in treatment and is very resistant to mental health services. It, no doubt, reflected the long- term effectiveness of Heritage's engagement efforts, especially the Oasis Drop-In Center. • Criminal Involvement. A substantial proportion of persons had criminal histories, including incarceration. Depending on the nature of the conviction, this made it difficult to obtain permanent housing, especially in federally subsidized projects. • Family History. Most of the persons interviewed were the first in their families to experience long-term homelessness. Some had come from intact families with a few from households that would be considered very stable. • Episodic Homelessness. Among those who met the federal definition of chronic homelessness, the majority had experienced . multiple episodes of short-term homelessness (at least four episodes in three years), rather than longer periods of homelessness extending 12 months or more. • Mortality Awareness. The persons interviewed had a heightened awareness of mortality. Many had lost family members early in life, especially mothers, and some of these lacked a positive male adult role model. A surprisingly large number felt they might die in the next year or two. This awareness of mortality could be linked directly to the increased connection to spirituality. • Denial of Homeless Status. Many did not perceive themselves as homeless. Some saw homelessness as temporary, even though they had experienced repeated episodes. It is possible that the term "homeless" carried stronger negative connotations than addiction or mental illness. Rev. 2010/02/19 9