Housing and Treatment Programs as Solutions to Homelessness in America

There is much controversy over whether or not programs that provide housing and treatment help to homeless individuals and families actually help them, or if it only enables them to continue toxic behavior. While there is certainly proof that some use and abuse programs that are designed and intended to help, there is also much research proving that these programs do in fact help individuals and families facing addiction and homelessness. In this paper, we will look at the positive effects housing and treatment programs as a solution to those facing these social issues, specifically as it relates to single mothers, veterans, the foster care system, the homeless general population, and homeless children and their eucation.

According to one article, substance-abusing homeless mothers are the most vulnerable population in the nation. There are higher rates of substance abuse with homeless mothers than with mothers who have stable housing. 74% of homeless mothers reported using illegal substances within the last year before becoming homeless. However, homeless mothers with children have an overall better health status than those without children in their care. With that said, homeless mothers with children in their care are less likely to receive treatment for substance abuse. Many of these mothers are afraid to seek treatment over fear of losing their children.

A study in which homeless mothers were given intense case management, housing, rental assistance and treatment, showed that the mothers were successfully able to complete the program and even keep their apartment on their own after the study ended. Their substance abuse also significantly dropped. This study proves that, given the range and severity of presenting struggles, women benefit from longer-term supportive services. The next step in the process for this population of at risk mothers would be to find ways to get them substance abuse treatment without fear of losing their children.

Meanwhile, veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan war are severely lacking in mental health treatments. Over 52% of veterans from these wars have received mental health diagnoses, and 28% have been diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder. It is estimated that over half of veterans in need of mental health treatment do not receive it. Part of this problem is due to the stigma and stereotypes that go along with receiving mental health diagnoses and help.

A study was done in California on veterans from 2008 through 2011. Participants had to be positive for post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, high-risk drinking and/or substance abuse to qualify as a participant in this study. 73 veterans were enrolled in the study; 36% women, 48% were under 30 years old, 55% were non-white, and 62% reported income under $25,000.

The results of this study showed that there was a stronger effect for those veterans who have not received treatment before, verses those who had experience in treatment previously. The study showed that after just 8 weeks there were significant drops in substance abuse and stigma surrounding mental health among participants, and even more within 16 weeks. This study proves that treatment programs also positively affect veterans. There should be more work done on their behalf to get them into treatment and away from the stigmas and stereotypes surrounding mental health before they get to a dangerous mental or physical state.

Inadequate housing of families has been linked to maltreatment of children, and is often the root of child welfare involvement. It is also many times the reason for out-of-home placement of children, what we know as foster care. However, looking at housing as a preventative intervention against child welfare involvement has not received much investigation by researchers, policy makers, or child welfare agencies. However, it has been found that childhood foster care is as much as 34 times higher for families experiencing homelessness than the general population of the same aged children. It was also found that families that had experienced homelessness within the last year had a higher chance of being investigated for neglect than adequately-housed families.

It has also been shown that placing children in foster home placements cost 70% more than the cost to place and maintain the children with their biological families in supportive housing programs. This research also shows that families with supportive housing were less likely to be investigated for child welfare claims, and were also less likely to have their children re-enter the foster care system after entering the program. This study shows that supportive housing and treatment has positive effects not only for adults, but for kids as well. Not only does it benefit the family overall, it reduces mental health risks in children who are taken from their parents and placed with a family that may not treat them any better than how they were living previously.

In 2015, the Department of Housing and Urban Development estimated more 500,000 people in the United States were homeless. People who are homeless have higher rates of premature death, more chronic physical health conditions, and higher prevalence of mental health disorders, resulting in higher costs of healthcare across the nation. A program called Housing First offers permanent supportive housing without requiring prerequisites of things such as psychiatric or substance abuse treatment before entering the program. Studies in the United States and Canada show that Housing First interventions result in faster exits from homelessness than traditional approaches.

Housing First programs typically cost between $8,000 and $18,000 per year. The costs do not directly save money, however, the programs are proved effective, as those who once suffered from homelessness now have support they need to live on their own. While these programs may not be the most cost-effective, they prove to be helpful to individuals who suffer from homelessness. The Housing First program also reduces the number of at risk individuals for physical and mental health, as well as lowers crime rates.

Homeless children make up 22% of the overall homeless population in the United States. In the same study, it was found that 50% of homeless adults are parents to children under 17 years old. Studies also show that children who experience homelessness also do not do as well in school. These children typically have negative academic experiences, are absent more often, have a higher need for special education, and overall poorer academic performance.

The results of this study showed results in favor of supportive housing for the well-being of children’s education. Positive results were found in school attendance, IEP status, math achievement and reading levels. Child maltreatment reports and involvement from child welfare agencies were also decreased. When children feel safe, and have stability in their life, they are able to concentrate better as a result of sound sleep and less anxiousness.

All of the studies we have examined in this paper show positive effects of supportive housing and treatment programs. It seems that when people facing problems like substance abuse and homelessness, they are best to get back on their feet when they are provided a support system of social workers, mental health professionals, adequate and affordable housing, and safety for any children in their care. Support from professionals who provide care and understanding is crucial to the development of programs such as the reform of the foster care system, programs like Housing First, and programs designed to aid veterans. Some adults may just need that extra support and encouragement to help them reach a goal they didn’t know they could achieve.

In conclusion, supportive housing and treatment programs are crucial to our society. Not only do they help our neighborhoods be safer places for everyone, they help parents better raise their children, reduce drug abuse, help provide a better education for children, provide stability both physically and mentally in jobs, at home, in relationships and otherwise. They also help veterans get back on their feet and seek mental health treatment, as well as reduce costs put out for foster care systems. The benefits of housing and substance abuse treatment programs are endless, and the results speak for themselves. These programs absolutely deserve government and community support.

Works Cited

• Hong, S., & Piescher, K. (2012). The role of supportive housing in homeless childrens well-being: An investigation of child welfare and educational outcomes. Children and Youth Services Review,34(8), 1440-1447. doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2012.03.025
• Kertesz, S. G., Baggett, T. P., O’Connell, J. J., Buck, D. S., & Kushel, M. B. (2016). Permanent Supportive Housing for Homeless People — Reframing the Debate. New England Journal of Medicine,375(22), 2115-2117. doi:10.1056/nejmp1608326
• Lenz-Rashid, S. (2017). Supportive housing program for homeless families: Foster care outcomes and best practices. Children and Youth Services Review,79, 558-563. doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2017.07.012
• Seal, K. H., Abadjian, L., Mccamish, N., Shi, Y., Tarasovsky, G., & Weingardt, K. (2012). A randomized controlled trial of telephone motivational interviewing to enhance mental health treatment engagement in Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. General Hospital Psychiatry,34(5), 450-459. doi:10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2012.04.007
• Slesnick, N., & Erdem, G. (2013). Efficacy of ecologically-based treatment with substance-abusing homeless mothers: Substance use and housing outcomes. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment,45(5), 416-425. doi:10.1016/j.jsat.2013.05.008