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This article reports the main health status differences between a representative sample of homeless people and an at-risk for homelessness group consisting of people who use services for the homeless such as soup kitchens and public baths but have and maintain a home. The variables analyzed include health problems by system, risk habits and behaviors, substance use, alcohol problems, general health status, suicidal thoughts and perceived health status. Because of the gender differences between groups, the data were analyzed independently for men and women. The results show that the homeless have worse health status compared with the at-risk group. Homeless men had significantly more risk habits and behaviors, substance use, and mental health problems. Homeless women had similar tendencies, although they also had significantly more general health illnesses (by systems and over the past year). Almost no differences were found in drug use (especially alcohol use) or in mental health—except for depression, which was significant. These results shed light on new data regarding the correlation between homelessness and health issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article introduces new initiatives in homelessness legislation, in funding resettlement support, and in health services for different homeless populations (i.e., single, youth, and family homeless) and discusses the different rates of mental illness among these populations in Great Britain. It reviews studies that indicate the strong role played by permanent resettlement in reducing rates of neurosis among all three homeless populations. Finally, it considers the incidence of violent life events among different homeless populations and suggests a further approach to the investigation of violent life events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]