Addressing the intersection between homelessness and addiction

At I_am_HUMAN, our mission is rooted in compassion and understanding, driven by the stories of real people who have faced unimaginable challenges. I want to share a story that deeply touched us—a story that represents the struggle so many people face at the intersection of homelessness and addiction.

A few months ago, we met Marvin, a man in his late thirties who had been living on the streets for over a decade. Marvin wasn’t always homeless. He once had a steady job, a home, and a family. But after his wife divorced him, he fell into a deep depression. In an attempt to numb his pain, he turned to alcohol and, later, harder substances. The addiction soon consumed him, leading to job loss, estrangement from his family, and eventually homelessness.

Marvin’s story is not unique. It’s a powerful reminder of how quickly life can unravel when someone is caught in the grip of addiction, compounded by the instability and dangers of life on the streets. James told us how he used drugs as a way to cope with the loneliness and fear that came with being homeless. But without stable housing, every day was a struggle to survive, let alone recover.

This is why we at I_am_HUMAN are so passionate about addressing the intertwined issues of homelessness and addiction. We’ve seen firsthand how these challenges feed off each other, creating a cycle that’s difficult to break without comprehensive and compassionate intervention.

Understanding the Link Between Homelessness and Addiction

The relationship between homelessness and addiction is both complex and bidirectional. According to recent data, nearly one-third of homeless individuals report having issues with substance use, and among those experiencing long-term homelessness, about 50% have co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. This highlights the significant overlap between addiction and homelessness, where substance use often becomes both a cause and a consequence of life on the streets​ (Addiction Group)​ (Psychology Today).

Once addiction takes hold, it can create significant barriers to escaping homelessness. Many individuals find it difficult to secure housing, employment, or even basic healthcare due to their substance use. This creates a vicious cycle where the instability of homelessness fuels addiction, and addiction perpetuates homelessness.

The Role of Mental Health

Mental health disorders are prevalent among those experiencing homelessness, with approximately 21% reporting serious mental illnesses. These mental health challenges, coupled with the stress and trauma of homelessness, often lead to or exacerbate substance use as a form of self-medication, according to Psychology Today. This creates this cycle where untreated mental health issues drive substance use, which in turn makes it even harder for individuals to find stable housing and access necessary services. 

The Impact of Homelessness on Recovery

Stable housing is a critical factor in successful addiction recovery. Without a safe and supportive environment, the risk of relapse remains high. Statistics show that individuals who lack permanent housing face significant barriers to recovery, including higher rates of relapse and ongoing substance use. In fact, a lack of housing stability is one of the primary reasons why many homeless individuals struggle to maintain sobriety (Addiction Group)​ (Addiction Group). 

The Need for a Comprehensive Approach

To effectively address the dual crises of homelessness and addiction, we need a multifaceted approach. The "Housing First" model, which provides stable housing without preconditions, has been proven to be effective in reducing both homelessness and substance use. This approach recognizes that stable housing is a fundamental need that must be met before individuals can successfully tackle other challenges, such as addiction and mental health issues​ (National Alliance to End Homelessness)​ (USICH).

Addressing the Broader Systemic Issues

The rise in homelessness over the past few years—up 12.1% between 2022 and 2023—is a stark reminder of the broader systemic issues at play, including the shortage of affordable housing and inadequate social safety nets. These systemic failures disproportionately affect marginalized groups, including people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals, who are overrepresented in the homeless population​ (National Alliance to End Homelessness)​ (USICH).

At I_am_HUMAN, we believe that addressing homelessness and addiction requires more than just temporary fixes; it requires systemic change. We advocate for policies that expand access to affordable housing, integrate mental health and addiction services, and challenge the stigma that prevents so many from seeking help. But we can't do it alone. We need your support to continue this critical work.

Join us in breaking the cycle of homelessness and addiction. Together, we can create a society where everyone has the opportunity to live with dignity, stability, and hope.