Who are the Chronically Homeless? Social Characteristics and Risk Factors Associated with Chronic Homelessness

Abstract

This study explored the social characteristics and risk factors associated with chronic homelessness in order to develop a set of indicators as a basis for understanding and treating the chronically homeless. The sample consisted of 140 homeless, recruited from total of six sites. Variables in the analysis included age, gender, educational attainment, physical and sexual abuse, frequency of emergency room visits, history of drug use, alcohol use, and history of residential treatment. Variables were analyzed using independent samples t-tests and chi square test of independence. Results indicated that educational attainment, frequency of emergency room visits, transportation, criminal record, physical abuse, specific acts of sexual abuse, history of drug use, alcohol use, and residential treatment were all related to chronic homelessness. The chronically homeless were also more likely to utilize mental health services and bus passes, have their governmental benefits cutoff, and report paper work too difficult for government subsidies.