Indicators of Chronic Homelessness Among Veterans
Abstract
Objective: This study sought to develop a set of indicators of chronic homelessness as a basis for better understanding and treatment of the homeless veteran population. Methods: Chi square analysis and the t test or Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare characteristics of veterans who reported long-term homelessness (more than 12 months total since age 18) with those of veterans who reported short term homelessness (12 months or less). Subjects were 343 homeless male veterans receiving treatment for physical, mental, or substance abuse disorders at the West Los Angeles site of the Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans Program. Variables included history of homelessness, employment history, physical and mental health, substance abuse history, social and financial support, criminal history, age, ethnic group, education, military service, and program discharge status. Results: Veterans experiencing long-term homelessness were more likely to be white, to have had a longer period of recent homelessness and a greater number of homeless episodes, to have a poor employment history, to have symptoms of mental and substance abuse disorders, and to have weaker social support. Conclusions: Results show that variables besides duration of lifetime homelessness are important indicators of chronic homelessness.
Access content
To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.- Personal login
- Institutional Login
- Sign in via OpenAthens
- Register for access
-
Please login/register if you wish to pair your device and check access availability.
Not a subscriber?
PsychiatryOnline subscription options offer access to the DSM-5 library, books, journals, CME, and patient resources. This all-in-one virtual library provides psychiatrists and mental health professionals with key resources for diagnosis, treatment, research, and professional development.
Need more help? PsychiatryOnline Customer Service may be reached by emailing [email protected] or by calling 800-368-5777 (in the U.S.) or 703-907-7322 (outside the U.S.).