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I talk with the homeless in my neighborhood all the time. I've not met one over 30 who didn't have severe mental or physical illness. Those who call it a housin

I talk with the homeless in my neighborhood all the time. I've not met one over 30 who didn't have severe mental or physical illness. Those who call it a housing problem are confusing you. This is a public health crisis in the states where the authorities have no authority to help those who can't help themselves

bsanr2 7y ago
There are several studies and pilot programs that show that reliable housing is a key component in recovery of homeless people with mental health issues. Conveniently, providing it also solves the homeless problem.
- varelse 7y ago
  Agreed, and it comes back when you stop providing it... https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-homelessness-housing/once-a-national-model-utah-struggles-with-homelessness-idUSKCN1P41EQ https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-homelessness-housing/...
- WalterSear 7y ago
  Yes, but the housing problem still isn't the homeless problem. Affordable housing won't prevent or cure mental illness, housing support is just a requirement for recovery. They aren't directly related. There's no way to fix housing sufficiently to make it affordable to someone dealing with mental illness and living on the street: that problem has to be addressed separately, and directly.
  - alexnewman 7y ago
    In San Francisco state supported affordable houses are around 500k. This is a mansion in most states. Anyone who thinks that the people on the street are helped by this program are confused
- alexnewman 7y ago
  Interesting. Link?
PhasmaFelis 7y ago
It can be both. Unsupported disability is a major cause of homelessness, but simply not being able to pay your bills can happen to anyone. People who live on the streets are more likely to become sick or traumatized, and sick people are more likely to recover if they've got somewhere safe and warm to sleep. It's not as simple as a single root cause.
- alexnewman 7y ago
  True but none of the people on my street have this story. They need help not houses
masonic 7y ago
What are your qualifications to distinguish between actual mental illness and intoxication or "acting out"?
CryptoPunk 7y ago
Long-term use of hard drugs causes physical and mental disabilities. Until that problem is solved, all other problems in their life will just get worse.

bsanr2 7y ago

There are several studies and pilot programs that show that reliable housing is a key component in recovery of homeless people with mental health issues. Conveniently, providing it also solves the homeless problem.

varelse 7y ago
Agreed, and it comes back when you stop providing it... https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-homelessness-housing/once-a-national-model-utah-struggles-with-homelessness-idUSKCN1P41EQ https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-homelessness-housing/...
WalterSear 7y ago
Yes, but the housing problem still isn't the homeless problem. Affordable housing won't prevent or cure mental illness, housing support is just a requirement for recovery. They aren't directly related. There's no way to fix housing sufficiently to make it affordable to someone dealing with mental illness and living on the street: that problem has to be addressed separately, and directly.
- alexnewman 7y ago
  In San Francisco state supported affordable houses are around 500k. This is a mansion in most states. Anyone who thinks that the people on the street are helped by this program are confused
alexnewman 7y ago
Interesting. Link?

PhasmaFelis 7y ago

It can be both. Unsupported disability is a major cause of homelessness, but simply not being able to pay your bills can happen to anyone. People who live on the streets are more likely to become sick or traumatized, and sick people are more likely to recover if they've got somewhere safe and warm to sleep. It's not as simple as a single root cause.

alexnewman 7y ago
True but none of the people on my street have this story. They need help not houses

masonic 7y ago

What are your qualifications to distinguish between actual mental illness and intoxication or "acting out"?

CryptoPunk 7y ago

Long-term use of hard drugs causes physical and mental disabilities. Until that problem is solved, all other problems in their life will just get worse.