- Research shows a clear link between poor physical health and homelessness or inadequate housing. People who lack stable accommodation also have more health problems
- Homelessness also creates great stress, and stress is linked to a wide range of health problems
- Sleeping "rough" or in the streets, in particular, exposes people to severe weather, poor nutrition and poor access to hygiene facilities
- People who are homeless also have trouble getting access to health services
- Research shows that few homeless people have family doctors. They will resort to using emergency hospital services, even for minor illnesses. They often find it difficult to register with a family doctor and get sympathetic treatment
- Studies have shown that homeless people are more likely than the general population or those with stable housing to be admitted to hospital for treatment
- Poor discharge planning by hospitals often means the homeless have nowhere to go but back to the streets.
Community members and agencies are increasingly recognizing the need for accessible health services for homeless people. Some health services have been developed for them-for instance, the Region of Peel Outreach Program (PDF - 844 KB) provides primary health care, basic needs, referrals and advocacy, mental health and addiction services. Mainstream health services have implemented more flexible and responsive ways to ensure homeless people get the health care they need-for instance, after-hour walk-in clinics and mobile outreach units.
What is the risk?
- Homelessness can worsen health problems for those who already suffer from poor health
- Overall, people who are homeless have lower life expectancy and higher rates of chest problems, TB, skin, muscle and joint complaints, digestive problems, chronic diseases such as hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS and alcohol/drug-related problems
- Homeless individuals are vulnerable to high risk activities such as poor medical care, intravenous/injection drug use, sex-trade work, unprotected sex and lack of access to basic needs
- Due to these high-risk activities, people who are homeless have an increased risk for contracting hepatitis C
- Many people who live on the streets may have a higher risk of HCV infection from casual sexual encounters and the sex trade since basic protection such as condoms and sexual education are not easy to access.
