Mental Illness and Homelessness

"Mental disorders prevent people from carrying out essential aspects of daily life, such as self care, household management and interpersonal relationships.  Homeless people with mental disorders remain homeless for longer periods of time and have less contact with family and friends.  They encounter more barriers to employment, tend to be in poorer physical health, and have more contact with the legal system than homeless people who do not suffer from mental disorders" (Mental Illness and Homelessness).  If they get help before they find themselves on the brink of losing their home, then they will be more able to recover from poverty.  The health department would offer free services such as counseling and treatment to at risk patients as well as other resources to keep their jobs and better manage their money.  This also ties into the need for better housing and recovery services.