Bridging the Gap Between Homelessness & Mental Health

Adequate Housing: A Pathway to Recovery

While housing improves health, mental health, and well-being, housing alone is not the complete solution. Bridging the gap between homelessness and mental health is a multipronged effort. Housing in and of itself is only the beginning of the healing process. It takes housing and structured continual support systems to fully realize the efforts of keeping those suffering from mental health illness and crisis stable. As much of the homeless populations are challenged by some form of mental illness we are challenged as a community to vigorously find solutions and provide help. Often those that suffer mental illness, as well as homelessness, spend much longer without stable or adequate living spaces. They also suffer from a reduced support system becoming disconnected from family and friends and any familiar support systems.

At Margaret’s, we strive to be a bridge bringing affected individuals back into the community; encouraging clients to be a part of their own healing.

Housing as a Health Determinant

The effects of homelessness on individuals and families are far-reaching. The life expectancy for the homeless is greatly reduced, while diseases are high. They have a greater need for acute hospital services and often suffer from intersectional issues such as homelessness and mental illness, homelessness and racialized discrimination. These are examples of accumulated negative social and economic conditions. Often

those suffering homelessness have previously dealt with a combination of marginalized issues previous to homelessness. Though homelessness is a key factor within the health of individuals it is often only one portion of combined marginalization. Housing is a vital part of better health but only the beginning of a thorough strategy.

***Notes & Questions:

Do we present:

Housing First approach as a solution to homelessness?

How Margaret’s helps to meet the mandate of the Housing First approach as a solution to end homelessness?