Health condition · plain-language reference
Homelessness and Health
Each night, hundreds of thousands of people experience homelessness in the United States. Some of these people experience chronic homelessness, while others have temporarily lost their shelter. The reasons why they are homelessness are complex. They can include a combination of factors such as: Poverty Unemployment Lack of affordable housing Mental and substance use disorders Trauma and violence Intimate partner violence Justice-system involvement Sudden serious illness Divorce Death of a partner or parent Disabilities
Plain-language summary from MedlinePlus (NIH/NLM) ↗. For informational purposes only — not medical advice.
What is the link between homelessness and health?
Poor health can contribute to homelessness. And being homeless can contribute to poor health. Many of the problems that people experiencing homelessness face can make their health worse, including: Limited access to health care Problems getting enough food Trouble staying safe Violence Stress Unsanitary living conditions Exposure to severe weather
What are some of the common health problems that people experiencing homelessness have?
Some of the common health problems that people experiencing homelessness may have include: HIV Lung diseases , including bronchitis , tuberculosis , and pneumonia Malnutrition Mental health problems Substance use problems Wounds and skin infections Many people experiencing homelessness are dealing with trauma. They may have been abused or assaulted. This includes children, who are at risk for emotional and behavioral problems . Contact your local homelessness assistance agency to get the help you need, such as access to shelters, health centers, and free meals.
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