• 12 million adults in the US are homeless or have been homeless at some point in their lives. An estimated 637,000 adults in the US are homeless in a given week, with 2.1 million experiencing homelessness over the course of a year. (1, 2)
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  It is estimated that on any given night, there are between 12,000 and 14,000 homeless individuals in the Houston Metropolitan area. (2)
• Over 50% of homeless persons in the Houston area have mental health issues; slightly more have substance abuse issues. (2)
• The risk for persons with serious mental illness (SMI) to become homeless is more than 10X greater than the risk for the general population, making mental illness among the top causes of homelessness. (1, 3, 4)
• Although less than 5% of the total population suffers from SMI, approximately 25% of the homeless population has a persistent SMI. Only about 50% of all homeless people with SMI receive appropriate treatment. Between 50% and 70% of these individuals have a chemical dependence diagnosis; only 5.7% need to be institutionalized. (1, 2, 3)
• One of the greatest gaps in homeless services in Houston is mental health treatment. Harris County MHMRA can serve only about 10% of those in need of treatment. (2, 5)
• One of the greatest gaps in homeless services in Houston is mental health treatment. Harris County MHMRA can serve only about 10% of those in need of treatment. (2, 5)
• The supply of beds for local mental health patients is 60% below national standards for a population of this size. (3, 5)
• Those in Houston / Harris County needing behavioral healthcare who are not in crises wait 3+ months for an appointment. (5)
• Half of all mental disorders go undiagnosed in primary care. (3)
• Considering the stigma that is still attached to mental health care, studies show that patients are more likely to see a mental health provider who is introduced to them by a primary care provider. (3)
• 46% of the homeless population have chronic health conditions. (1, 4)
• One-third of all chronically ill homeless patients have co-occurring depression. (3)
• People who are homeless often depend on the costliest public service systems (e.g.: ERs, hospital psychiatric beds, detox centers, Residential Treatment Centers, jail cells, etc.), which place high and unnecessary burdens on health, mental health and correctional systems. (1, 2, 3)
• Being homeless creates health risks such as chronic respiratory infections, asthma, wounds, lesions and skin infections. (1)
• According to the US Census Bureau, 17% of Americans, 25% of Texans and 28% of Houstonians are uninsured.

Reference Sources:

1. National Coalition for the Homeless
2. Coalition for the Homeless of Houston / Harris County
3. National Mental Health Association
4. Housing and Urban Development (HUD)