What We Know About Homelessness Among Mentally Ill Persons: An Analytical Review and Commentary

Although extensive research on the homeless mentally ill population has been conducted, existing studies have failed to answer three important questions: the prevalence of chronic mental illness among homeless persons, whether deinstitutionalization has precipitated increased homelessness in this population, and what kinds of services should be offered. The author suggests that future research will require clearer definition of the terms used in discussing this population and calls for increased federal direction in making policies to respond to their problems, especially the problems of those who are geographically mobile. Successful service planning must address the full array of disabilities experienced by homeless mentally ill persons, including psychiatric symptoms, secondary responses to the experience of illness, and disabilities resulting from stigma and lack of societal opportunity.