ABSTRACT
Both the public and many researchers have a view of the homeless and mentally ill that stereotypes these individuals into a vague yet homogenous group, typified as a psychotic, transient male. No research has been conducted to determine who constitutes the homeless mentally ill population. This research sought to determine what typological classifications or patterns exist within the homeless and mentally ill population.
Data was analyzed on 6180 homeless adults enrolled in the Access to Community Care and Effective Supports and Services (ACCESS) project, a federal research demonstration project across 18 communities in 9 states. A cluster analysis was performed on three sets of data, on variables that related to how people became homeless and how they were prevented from regaining housing.
Eleven distinct profiles emerged from the data. They included Malingerers, Depression with Alcoholism, Symptom Minimizers, Psychotic Avoiders, Service Avoiders, Newly Homeless, Local Ethnic Minority, Women with Children, Healthy Family, Other-Caucasian, and Non-Drug Users.
These results clearly contradict the view of the homeless mentally ill as a homogenous group. Furthermore the results make it clear that the unique and sometimes conflicting needs of each profile should be taken into consideration when designing policy and treatment interventions for the homeless mentally ill.
Learning Objectives: Recognize how services and policies designed on the sterotype of the homless-mentally ill are inadquate to meet the real needs of this diverse population
Keywords: Homelessness, Mental Illness
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.