The Homeless of Columbus, GAStephanie Stewart

Who are they and how many are there?

Children • In 2011-2012 school year, the number of students in the Muscogee

school systems that were reported as homeless was 2212.

Homelessness Resource Network. (2013, June). Local data: Homelessness in our area? Retrieved from http://homelessresourcenetwork.org/index.php/resources/local-data/

Who are they and how many are there?

Adults• In 2011, the last point in time count of people sleeping on the streets

and in shelters was 486. Some were veterans, others were previously your average citizen unable to find work, or recently fallen on hard times.

Homelessness Resource Network. (2013, June). Local data: Homelessness in our area? Retrieved from http://homelessresourcenetwork.org/index.php/resources/local-data/

Who are they?They are people who may work, but make minimum wages, have a family and just can’t make rentThey may have been in jail with a felony conviction making finding a job almost impossible in today’s society

Homelessness 101Individuals we see on the street corner asking for money are either NOT HOMELESS or are included in the 10% of people who are chronically homeless.The other 90% of the homeless population are working, or have worked in the last month, or are disabled where they cannot work.20.2% of Muscogee County’s population lives in poverty.

Homelessness 101 continued

The death rate of people experiencing homelessness is almost four times greater than that of the general population.Harsh living conditions and constant exposure to the elements leave a person without a home more susceptible to acute illness and traumatic injuries.

Homelessness Resource Network. (2013, June). Local data: Who is experiencing homelessness? Retrieved from http://homelessresourcenetwork.org/index.php/homelessness101/

Affordable Health Care Act and the HomelessThe homeless population is at risk for multiple health disparities including but not limited to substance abuse and mental illness.According to Healthcare.gov, community grants created by the Affordable Health Care Act will address the health disparities of those living in underserved geographic areas which include the homeless.

HealthCare.gov (2013, June). Community Transformation Grants: Addressing Health Disparities and Improving Opportunities for Health retrieved from http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2011/09/disparities09272011a.html

Acute and Chronic Diseases for the

Homeless PopulationAll of the following were reported as potential chronic and acute disease process as per Fotoula Babatsikou in the article entitled Homeless: A high risk group for the public health

Accident related injuriesHypertensionDiabetesInfectious DiseasesDepression and other mental illnesses

Acute and Chronic Diseases for the

Homeless PopulationPoor living conditions which provide a great setting for the spreading of lice, fleas, mitesPoor hygiene conditions contribute to the aboveTobacco and alcohol abuse complicate health disease processesExtreme temperatures which complicate thermoregulation

Gaps in ServicesHousing, employment

lack of health care• 1828 people in

Columbus who are on a waiting list for public housing

• Unemployment rate of 9.2% in Columbus = lack of jobs for homeless

• Access to primary health care is limited

Community AgenciesMercy Med of Columbus• For homeless people who have no primary care

physician, or are in need of non-emergent care• Fee is based on income, if the patient has no

income, the service is provided for free• Located at 3702 2nd Avenue in downtown Columbus• Public transportation stop close by the officeMercy Med of Columbus (2013, June). Retrieved from

http://www.mercymedcolumbus.com/contact-connect

Community AgenciesThe Medical Center a Columbus Regional

Healthcare facility, serves the indigent of Columbus, GAIt is located in downtown Columbus, GA within walking distance to several shelters, and on route with public transportation in Columbus.

Community AgenciesNew Horizons• Specializes in developmental disabilities, mental

illnesses and addictive diseases• Not for profit• Multiple locations all accessible by public

transportation• 24 hour hotline for crisis (706) 323-0174

New Horizons Community Service Board (June 2013). About New Horizons. Retrieved from http://www.newhorizonscsb.org

Additional community agencies

Valley Rescue mission – has multiple shelters for men, women and children, provides meals and spiritual assistance for those in need.

House of MercyHope HarbourHome for Good (United Way sponsored)Salvation Army of Coumbus

Nursing Roles with the Homeless

ADVOCATEEducatorCase ManagerDirect care providerPrevention specialist – when we come in contact with someone who is in crisis and on the border of becoming homeless, nurses need to have resources available

Solutions to Help Reduce Homelessness

in Columbus, GALabeled as the two main ways to help reduce homelessness are Employment and Affordable Housing

• Shelters and free meals are a temporary fix

• Volunteering in your community to assist in any way possible helps your community

Solutions to Help Reduce Homelessness

in Columbus, GAHelping homeless with job applicationsAdvocating for more affordable housing in the areaEducating the homeless on how to find healthcare in the area

Solutions to Help Reduce Homelessness

in Columbus, GALong term funding for public health in the communities where it is accessible by homelessPrevention of homelessness by case management safety netsSupportive social, economic and physical environments

Solutions to Help Reduce Homelessness

in Columbus, GAThe solution could start with you!Take time and think of how you can be a part of the solutionUse your talentsEncourage others to do the same

ReferencesBabatskou, Fotoula, P. (2010). Homeless: A High Risk Group for the Public Health. Health Science Journal, 4. Retrieved from http://www.hsj.gr/volume4/issue2/421.pdf HealthCare.gov (2013, June). Community Transformation Grants: Addressing Health Disparities and Improving Opportunities for Health retrieved from http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2011/09/disparities09272011a.html Homelessness Resource Network. (2013, June). Local data: Homelessness in our area? Retrieved from http://homelessresourcenetwork.org/index.php/resources/local-data/ New Horizons Community Service Board (June 2013). About New Horizons. Retrieved from http://www.newhorizonscsb.orgMercy Med of Columbus (2013, June). Retrieved from http://www.mercymedcolumbus.com/contact-connect