Policy Work on Health Care
Ending homelessness and improving health outcomes are inextricably linked. Living on the streets or in shelter makes it difficult to manage chronic illness, mental health, diet, and minor injuries such as cuts or bruises turn into major problems or infections. On the other side, lack of health insurance, serious mental illness and substance use can cause or contribute to homelessness.
Supportive housing couples housing and services, however, providers often have difficulty accessing and funding health services for residents. It is important to remember that included in these essential health services are mental health and substance use treatment. Fifty-seven percent of people experiencing homelessness report having a mental health illness during their lifetime and 62 percent report battling a substance use disorder.
CSH is committed to finding opportunities to improve state and federal government policy and funding to ensure that residents of permanent supportive housing receive quality health services.
