2-2 Final Project Milestone One

2-2 Final Project Milestone One

2-2 Final Project Milestone One

For this project, I have chosen the topic of the of mental illness in the homelessness population. Homelessness is a complex issue that is often associated with mental illness. There is a high prevalence of mental health problems among the homeless population, and individuals experiencing homelessness are more likely to have mental health problems compared to the general population. The total number of people who experience some form of homelessness over the course of a year is estimated to be 2.5 to 3.5 million individuals, homelessness is a serious problem. Mental illness, in addition to adverse childhood experiences and substance use, are risk factors for homelessness. (Balasuriya et al., 2020) The impact of mental illness can make it difficult for homeless individuals to obtain and maintain housing, find and keep a job, and access necessary healthcare services. Homeless people with mental illness are also more likely to experience substance abuse, violence, victimization, and criminalization. The stigma associated with mental illness can make it difficult for homeless individuals to seek help and can contribute to social isolation and discrimination. The impact of mental health in the homeless population can be profound and far-reaching, affecting both the individuals themselves and the communities they are a part of.For example, the economic costs of homelessness and mental illness are significant, with costs related to healthcare, criminal justice, and social services. A study in San Francisco found that homeless individuals with a mental illness were associated with higher costs for public services: "The most

Goodson 2 expensive group was chronically homeless people with a mental illness, who cost an average of $80,000 per year for public services" (Larimer et al., 2009). Overall, mental illness has a significant impact on the well-being and quality of life of homeless individuals and highlights the need for increased access to mental healthcare services and support for this vulnerable population. Some groups are more vulnerable to these issues than others. Some examples of groups that are disproportionately affected by mental health and homelessness: Veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with substance abuse disorders, people with disabilities and, people living in poverty. Overall, anyone can be affected by mental health and homelessness, but some groups may be more vulnerable due to systemic and societal factors. Some people may believe that homeless individuals with mental health issues are dangerous, unpredictable, or undeserving of support and resources. These attitudes can stem from stigma surrounding mental illness and misconceptions about the causes of homelessness. However, there is also a growing recognition that mental health issues are a significant contributing factor to homelessness, and that homeless individuals with mental health issues need support and resources to overcome their challenges. Mental health advocates, healthcare professionals, and policymakers are working to raise awareness of the link between mental health and homelessness and to promote policies and programs that address both issues