December 21, is National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day, a solemn reminder of the lives lost to the harsh realities of homelessness. Each year, on the longest night, communities across the nation hold vigils and memorial services to honor those who died without the comfort of a home.
Homelessness is a multifaceted crisis that intersects with other critical public health issues, including substance use disorders (SUD) and the overdose epidemic. Understanding this connection is vital to creating effective interventions and providing holistic care for those most vulnerable.
The Intersection of Homelessness, SUD, and Overdose
1️⃣. Substance Use and Homelessness: An estimated 30-50% of individuals experiencing homelessness also struggle with substance use disorders. The lack of stable housing exacerbates the challenges of accessing treatment, adhering to care plans, and maintaining recovery.
2️⃣. Overdose Risks: Individuals experiencing homelessness are at a significantly higher risk of drug overdose. Exposure to dangerous substances like fentanyl, limited access to harm reduction tools, and lack of medical care make this population ten times more likely to die from overdose compared to the general population.
3️⃣. Barriers to Recovery: Without stable housing, even the most determined individuals face nearly insurmountable obstacles to recovery. Research shows that housing-first models- providing shelter before addressing other needs- dramatically improve outcomes.
What Can Be Done?
Tackling these overlapping issues requires compassionate, evidence-based approaches that focus on harm reduction, treatment accessibility, and housing stability. Here are some tools and resources for individuals, providers, and organizations to make an impact:
Tools and Resources
Naloxone Distribution Programs
• Get Naloxone Now (https://getnaloxonenow.org)
A free online resource for individuals and providers to learn how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose using naloxone.
• NEXT Distro
A harm reduction platform that provides mail-based naloxone distribution and overdose education.
Housing Resources
• National Alliance to End Homelessness (https://endhomelessness.org)
Offers data, best practices, and advocacy tools to support housing-first initiatives and sustainable solutions.
• HUD Exchange (https://www.hudexchange.info)
Provides federal funding opportunities and programs focused on transitional and permanent housing for vulnerable populations.
Mental Health and SUD Support
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (https://www.samhsa.gov)
A central hub for treatment locators, grant opportunities, and resources for mental health and substance use.
• Shatterproof’s ATLAS (https://www.shatterproof.org)
A tool to find high-quality, evidence-based addiction treatment in your area.
Local Harm Reduction Programs
• National Harm Reduction Coalition (harmreduction.org (https://harmreduction.org)
Connects individuals to local harm reduction programs offering clean syringes, fentanyl test strips, and other lifesaving tools.
• 211 Helpline
A nationwide resource to find local shelters, addiction services, and other critical support.
How You Can Help
🗣️ Volunteer: Many organizations rely on volunteers for their outreach and support programs. Look for local shelters, harm reduction groups, and advocacy coalitions.
💵 Donate: Financial contributions can help fund critical services like naloxone distribution, mobile clinics, and supportive housing.
🫡 Advocate: Support policies that expand access to treatment, fund housing-first initiatives, and prioritize overdose prevention.
As we remember those we’ve lost on this National Homeless Persons’
Memorial Day, let’s channel our grief into action. Together, we can create a world where everyone has access to safety, dignity, and hope.
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