Bridge Bread addresses the public health emergency of homelessness by:
- Hiring people experiencing homelessness
- Providing restorative employment
- Paying a living wage
- Facilitating acceptance for housing through a relationship with SJC Apartments
- Providing a housing incentive – we pay:
- Rental application fees
- Security deposit (up to $750)
- First month’s rent (up to $750)
- 1/2 rent (up to $750) months 2-6
- $300 rent subsidy for as long as employed at Bridge Bread
- Optional direct rent payments through payroll deduction
- Facilitating restorative and preventative dental care through a relationship with Cregger Family Dentistry
- Referral for mental and physical health care
- Transportation as needed to appointments
- Assistance in filling out forms and filing paperwork
Becoming Housed and Employed Has Dramatic Health Benefits
Getting housing for an unhoused person has a profound and overwhelmingly positive impact on their health, both physical and mental. The stability and security of a home address many of the root causes of poor health experienced by those experiencing homelessness. Here’s a breakdown of the key ways housing improves their health:
Physical Health Improvements:
- Reduced Exposure to the Elements: Housing provides shelter from extreme weather conditions like heat, cold, rain, and snow. This directly reduces the risk of hypothermia, heatstroke, frostbite, and related illnesses.
- Improved Hygiene: Access to private bathrooms with running water allows for regular showering, handwashing, and teeth brushing. This significantly reduces the risk of infections, skin conditions, and infestations like lice and scabies.
- Better Sleep: A safe and quiet place to sleep promotes restorative rest, which is crucial for physical and mental health. Consistent sleep improves immune function, energy levels, and overall well-being.
- Increased Access to Healthcare: Having a stable address makes it easier to register with a doctor, schedule appointments, and receive consistent medical care. It also facilitates follow-up care and medication management.
- Improved Nutrition: Housing often includes or allows for access to cooking facilities and safe food storage. This enables individuals to prepare nutritious meals, leading to better overall health and management of chronic conditions.
- Reduced Risk of Violence and Injury: Living on the streets exposes individuals to a higher risk of violence, assault, and accidents. Housing provides a safer and more secure environment.
- Better Management of Chronic Conditions: Stable housing makes it easier for individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or HIV/AIDS to manage their illnesses through consistent medication, dietary changes, and regular medical check-ups.
- Reduced Exposure to Environmental Hazards: Living outdoors or in temporary shelters can expose individuals to pollutants, allergens, and unsanitary conditions, exacerbating respiratory and other health problems. Housing provides a more controlled and healthier environment.
Mental Health Improvements:
- Reduced Stress and Anxiety: The constant uncertainty and insecurity of homelessness are major sources of stress and anxiety. Housing provides a sense of safety, stability, and control, significantly reducing these feelings.
- Improved Sense of Dignity and Self-Worth: Having a home can restore a sense of dignity and self-worth that is often eroded by the experience of homelessness. This can lead to improved self-esteem and a more positive outlook.
- Increased Social Connection: Housing can facilitate social interaction and reduce isolation, which is a significant risk factor for mental health problems. Having a stable place to live makes it easier to connect with family, friends, and support networks.
- Improved Access to Mental Health Services: Similar to physical healthcare, a stable address makes it easier to access mental health services, including therapy, counseling, and psychiatric care.
- Reduced Risk of Substance Use: While not a direct cause-and-effect relationship, stable housing can create a more supportive environment for individuals struggling with substance use disorders, making it easier to access treatment and maintain recovery.
- Increased Hope and Motivation: Having a home can provide a foundation for rebuilding one’s life, fostering hope for the future and increasing motivation to pursue education, employment, and other goals.
In summary, providing housing for an unhoused person is a critical intervention that addresses fundamental determinants of health. It not only offers immediate shelter but also creates the stability and security necessary for individuals to improve their physical and mental well-being, access healthcare, and begin to rebuild their lives. This ultimately leads to significant improvements in individual health outcomes and can also reduce the burden on emergency healthcare systems.
Links for more information:
Housing and Homelessness as a Public Health Issue
Homelessness Is A Public Health Emergency
How Homelessness is a Public Health Crisis | Harvard Magazine
Homelessness and Public Health: A Focus on Strategies and Solutions – PMC
Understanding Homelessness as a Public Health Issue
Homelessness as a Public Health Law Issue: Selected Resources
https://academic.oup.com/jid/article/226/Supplement_3/S372/6752580
Homelessness Makes You Sick | Health Care for the Homeless – Baltimore and Maryland