Food, shelter and safety needs motivating homeless persons' visits to an urban emergency department

Study objectives We determine whether homeless persons present to the emergency department (ED) for food, shelter, and safety and whether the availability of alternative sites for provision of these needs might decrease their ED presentations. Methods In July to August 2006 and February to March 2007, adult homeless and control (not homeless) patients, who self-presented (nonambulance) to an urban county ED, were interviewed with a structured instrument. Results One hundred ninety-one homeless and 63 control subjects were enrolled. Homeless persons spent a mean (standard deviation [SD]) of 3.5 (3.0) nights/week sleeping without shelter and ate a mean (SD) of 2.1 (1.1) meals per day; 51% stated they had been assaulted on the street. On an analog scale, in which 0=no problem and 10=worst possible problem in their daily lives, the mean (SD) homeless subject responses for hunger, lack of shelter, and safety were 4.8 (3.7), 6.1 (4.2), and 5.1 (4.0), respectively. More homeless (29% [55/189]) than not homeless (10% [6/63]) persons replied that hunger, safety concerns, and lack of shelter were reasons they came to the ED (Δ=20%; 95% confidence interval 10% to 29%). If offered a place that would provide food, shelter, and safety at all times, 24% of homeless subjects stated they would not have come to the ED. Conclusion Homeless persons commonly come to the ED for food, shelter, and safety. Provision of these subsistence needs at all times at another site may decrease their ED presentations.