Drug use and other problems of residents in projects for the young, single homeless

Abstract

One hundred people who make use of an organization housing the young, single homeless were interviewed using a semi-structured interview. There was a high prevalence of problems, including substance abuse and dependence, other mental health problems, extensive use of health services and extensive experience of crime both as victim and perpetrator. Most people said they had become homeless because they did not get on with their parents. Since becoming homeless, most had not spent more than a month sleeping rough, but most had spent time staying with friends or staying in other hostels for the homeless. It is concluded that most young, single homeless people who seek help have problems beyond a lack of permanent shelter. The extent to which the sample is representative of all homeless people is considered and implications for service provision are discussed.