Temporary shelters for victims of domestic violence are often filled to full capacity. Homelessness among persons with mental illness is largely the result of deinstitutionalization, the policy which evolved in the 1950's and 60's to shift care of the seriously mental ill from state mental hospitals to community facilities. Until thirty years ago, most severely mentally ill persons lived in state mental hospitals. In 1955, state hospitals had a total of 550,000 residents. The connection between this policy and homelessness is now clear.
Substance abuse increases the risk of displacement for people with unstable housing.
Many housing programs will not accept individuals who use illicit substances. In the absence of appropriate treatment, substance abuse may destroy one s chances of getting housing once on the street. For others, substance abuse is a tragic by-product of homelessness. This article is derived from a document that was completed in April 1998. Please contact our webmaster .