such as schizophrenia , according to the National Institutes of Health . Studies have failed to demonstrate a causal relationship between the two , but there is clearly a link between psychiatric conditions and homelessness .
Poor housing can affect mental health in many different ways . Homelessness has been associated with poorer mental health outcomes and may trigger or exacerbate certain types of disorders . Those living on the streets report that exposure to the elements , scorn and harassment by others take an emotional toll on them . Depression , anxiety disorders , trauma , substance use , traumatic brain injuries , and suicidal thoughts are highly prevalent in those who are homeless .
The daily struggles of finding adequate nutrition , water , and shelter take priority over psychiatric needs , which are often not addressed until a crisis occurs . The prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts is extremely high in mentally ill homeless persons . In a large sample of homeless adults with serious mental illness , almost 8 % reported a suicide attempt within the previous 30 days . The highest rates of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts were in those ages 30 to 39 years , in contrast to the general population with peaks of suicidality in young adults and the elderly .
On the flip side , an overwhelming majority of people living with mental illness are not homeless ; but an individual ’ s mental illness may lead to cognitive and behavioral problems that make it difficult to sustain employment , earn a stable income , or carry out daily activities that encourage stable housing — resulting in homelessness .
Although more programs are needed to support those who are experiencing homelessness and mental illness , there are a variety of resources currently available throughout the State .
Spotlight on Available Programs
The federal government has programs dedicated to assisting low-income families , the elderly , and those with disabilities , such as chronic mental illness , in obtaining housing . The Housing Choice Voucher Program ( Section 8 ) helps apartment renters by offering reduced rates for housing and utilities to low-income residents and the landlord then receives a voucher from the federal government which covers the remainder of the rent . The Supportive Housing Program for People with Disabilities ( Section 811 ) provides housing specifically for the disabled and ensures access to appropriate supportive services like case management and employment assistance .
A Community Resource Guide available at www . kyhousing . org contains an alphabetical list by county of agencies across Kentucky with housing programs and assistance that may be available . However , funding and assistance is not guaranteed . Individuals must contact
Stock photo the agency directly to receive information and program qualifications .
The Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health , Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities ( DBHDID ), along with Community Mental Health Centers ( CMHCs ) across the State , offers a variety of housing options and supports for individuals with serious mental illness . Some focus on actual housing development by employing regional housing developers , others focus on housing access by administering their own programs for rental assistance or through collaborative arrangements with local public housing agencies , others operate more intensive supportive housing programs . The Olmstead Housing Initiative is ( OHI ) a partnership
44 • SEKY - Life in Southeast Kentucky august 2022