Mental Illness

About 25% of the homeless population has serious mental illness, including such diagnoses as chronic depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorders, and severe personality disorders (HUD, 2005). According to the National Resource and Training Center on Homelessness and Mental Illness, untreated mental illness can cause individuals to become paranoid, anxious, or depressed, making it difficult or impossible to maintain employment, pay bills, or keep supportive social relationships.

Lack of resources related to mental illness is a leading cause of homelessness (U.S. Conference of Mayors, 2006). This is a major challenge for Detroit's homeless youth because the prevalence of mental illness is so high. On an ongoing basis, about 60% of CHM's emergency shelter clients suffer from a diagnosed mental illness.