The Homeless of Columbus, GA Stephanie Stewart

Who are they and how many are there? Children In school year, the number of students in the Muscogee school systems that were reported as homeless was Homelessness Resource Network. (2013, June). Local data: Homelessness in our area? Retrieved from

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

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

Homelessness 101 Individuals 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 ess101/ ess101/

Affordable Health Care Act and the Homeless The 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 /09/disparities a.html /09/disparities a.html

Acute and Chronic Diseases for the Homeless Population All 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 injuries Hypertension Diabetes Infectious Diseases Depression and other mental illnesses

Acute and Chronic Diseases for the Homeless Population Poor living conditions which provide a great setting for the spreading of lice, fleas, mites Poor hygiene conditions contribute to the above Tobacco and alcohol abuse complicate health disease processes Extreme temperatures which complicate thermoregulation

Gaps in Services Housing, 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 Agencies Mercy 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 nd Avenue in downtown Columbus Public transportation stop close by the office Mercy Med of Columbus (2013, June). Retrieved from

Community Agencies The Medical Center a Columbus Regional Healthcare facility, serves the indigent of Columbus, GA It is located in downtown Columbus, GA within walking distance to several shelters, and on route with public transportation in Columbus.

Community Agencies New 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) New Horizons Community Service Board (June 2013). About New Horizons. Retrieved from

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 Mercy Hope Harbour Home for Good (United Way sponsored) Salvation Army of Coumbus

Nursing Roles with the Homeless ADVOCATE Educator Case Manager Direct care provider Prevention 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, GA Labeled 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, GA Helping homeless with job applications Advocating for more affordable housing in the area Educating the homeless on how to find healthcare in the area

Solutions to Help Reduce Homelessness in Columbus, GA Long term funding for public health in the communities where it is accessible by homeless Prevention of homelessness by case management safety nets Supportive social, economic and physical environments

Solutions to Help Reduce Homelessness in Columbus, GA The solution could start with you! Take time and think of how you can be a part of the solution Use your talents Encourage others to do the same

References Babatskou, Fotoula, P. (2010). Homeless: A High Risk Group for the Public Health. Health Science Journal, 4. Retrieved from HealthCare.gov (2013, June). Community Transformation Grants: Addressing Health Disparities and Improving Opportunities for Health retrieved from tml tml Homelessness Resource Network. (2013, June). Local data: Homelessness in our area? Retrieved from New Horizons Community Service Board (June 2013). About New Horizons. Retrieved from Mercy Med of Columbus (2013, June). Retrieved from