Individuals with poor mental health are more susceptible to the three main factors that can lead to homelessness: poverty, disaffiliation, and personal vulnerability. The consequences of homelessness tend to be more severe when coupled with mental illness and stresses of living without secure housing affects both physical and mental wellness. People with mental illness encounter additional barriers to securing stable housing, maintaining or improving relationships with family and friends, and achieving meaningful employment.
The relationship between mental health problems and homelessness and access to housing is complex. Individuals with mental health problems or mental illnesses are predisposed to experiencing housing insecurity and homelessness, and poor mental health can be caused, triggered or aggravated by homelessness or housing that does not meet a certain standard of adequacy, affordability and suitability.
