Relationship between Homelessness and Incarceration:A National Level Assessment

This study investigated the rate and correlates of homelessness among adult jail inmates. Data from a national jail survey was based on a random sampling survey of both convicted inmates and inmates being held prior to adjudication (N=6,953). Homeless inmates (i.e., those who experienced an episode of homelessness anytime in the year prior to incarceration) made up 15.3% of the U.S. jail population. Logistic regression was used to examine the extent to which homelessness was associated with factors, such as symptoms or treatment of mental illness, previous criminal justice involvement, and demographic characteristics. In comparison to other inmates, those who had been homeless were more likely to have committed a property crime, to have past criminal justice system involvement for both non-violent and violent offenses, to suffer from mental health and substance abuse problems and to be older, less educated, more likely to be unemployed, have an income of less than $1000, and single. Homeless people who are incarcerated in jails are far more disadvantages than other inmates. They are also more likely to be in jail less than one month. Implications for service delivery to homeless inmates are discussed.