A known fact is that 350 communities have committed themselves to ending homelessness. But what is not always understood is that mental illness is a factor and usually an initial cause of homelessness. An article written by L. Rubin, A. Lauriat, and E.L. Bassuk, stated that out of 78 homeless people, most were found to have severe psychological illness. Forty percent have psychosis, 29% are chronic alcoholics and 21% have personality disorders. Data collected by the National Survey of Homeless Assistance and Clients identified mental illness as a factor in homelessness. That being said, we as humans should try to understand that we are different, and think different. We should try being a friend to someone rather than labeling them as crazy.
Reggie co-hosts the Writer’s Group, contact: [email protected]
