Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness and Poor Health

Homelessness and poor health are intricately linked. Physical and mental health issues are personal risk factors for homelessness, particularly for older adults. Once homeless, individuals are less likely to have access to health services and are at greater risk for a wide range of adverse health outcomes that can in turn make it harder for them to return to housing. About 70 percent of homeless people in King County, Washington, report one or more chronic health conditions, such as physical disabilities, chronic substance use, and severe mental health conditions. About half say their condition prevents them from holding employment, living in stable housing, or taking care of themselves. It is nearly impossible to effectively deliver health care or supportive services for this scope of problems when people live outdoors in scattered and insecure locations. What can we in the public health community do to help break the cycle of homelessness and poor health?

Speaker: Hilary Godwin, Dean and Professor, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington School of Public Health