HOW ENDING HOMELESSNESS SAVES HEALTH DOLLARS OR WHY

HOW ENDING HOMELESSNESS SAVES HEALTH DOLLARS … OR WHY I LIKE BEING FRIENDS WITH THE HOSPITAL APRIL 2018

HOMELESSNESS IS A HEALTH ISSUE • Life expectancy of homeless people is 45 -48 years • 60% of homeless people have at least one serious health condition • 15% have 3 or more serious health conditions

HOMELESSNESS IS A MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE • 71% of homeless people surveyed had mental health issues • 56% had untreated trauma which led to or resulted from their homelessness

HOMELESSNESS IS A DRUG AND ALCOHOL ISSUE • 83% of those surveyed ticked at least one indicator of drug and alcohol use • 42% had used alcohol and/or drugs daily in the last month • 47% have tried treatment for AOD but returned to using

HOMELESSNESS IS A DISABILITY ISSUE • 16% have a permanent disability resulting in mobility issues • 28% have been told they have learning or developmental disabilities • 32% have had a serious head trauma or acquired brain injury

HOW ARE WE CONNECTED TO HEALTH SERVICES? • ED consultant and hospital social workers active members of rough sleepers working group • Nurses from Homeless Healthcare on evening shift of • Brief after-hours team intervention worker as part of HHC@RPC clinic

WHAT HEALTH DOES FOR HOMELESSNESS? • Provides treatment, support and education – on the street, in the home and in hospital • Helps find the most • Helps us access vulnerable rough sleepers, including those not connected to services specialist services and accommodation

WHAT HOUSING DOES FOR HEALTH? • cures disease – able to engage in treatment, manage diet and sleep well • Build non-homeless identity – “meaningful use of time”, connection to family • Saves money – community based treatment and earlier intervention is cheaper than tertiary health

HOW DO YOU GET INVOLVED? • WA Alliance to End Homelessness – • 50 Lives 50 Homes includes health, mental health … www. endhomelessnesswa. com 47 services from 27 organisations across range of sectors including homeless,

QUESTIONS? Leah Watkins – Manager 50 Lives 50 Homes Email: leah. watkins@ruah. org. au Phone: 0468 654 311

HOUSING FIRST – A MODEL FOR ENDING HOMELESSNESS

UNDERLYING PRINCIPLES – ENDING HOMELESSNESS RESPONDING TO THE SHAPE OF THE CURVE Newly homeless Chronic homeless