People who experience homelessness and home insecurity

The Public Health Nursing Section of the American Public Health Association recognizes that social injustices and health disparity gaps continue to have a significant effect on the health of men, women, and children from economically and politically marginalized communities across the US and abroad.  Health disparities and social injustices are complex issues and are often rooted in racial, economic, social, and educational inequities.  The outcome of these relationships has led to an increase in homelessness over the last four years.

Individuals or groups who are at risk for homelessness include low-income individuals and families, the working poor, veterans, formerly incarcerated persons, and persons with serious mental illness.  Politics, health policy legislation, and the income gap are critical factors that contribute to homelessness and the resultant health disparities that are now endemic in our nation.  This session will focus on the political, economic, and social determinants of homelessness and home insecurity and ways to help eliminate housing inequity; the factors of successful community and coalition building to provide affordable housing and improve environmental and community health conditions; and ways to incorporate best practices of public health nursing to assure affordable and safe housing, improve environmental/community health, and promote social justice for all populations.