Are many homeless people in L.A. mentally ill? New findings back the public’s perception
Mental illness, substance abuse and physical disabilities are much more pervasive in Los Angeles County’s homeless population than officials have previously reported, a Times analysis has found.
The Times examined more than 4,000 questionnaires taken as part of this
year’s point-in-time count and found that about 76% of individuals living outside on the streets reported being, or were observed to be, affected by mental illness, substance abuse, poor health or a physical disability.
The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, which
conducts the annual count, narrowly interpreted the data to produce
much lower numbers. In its presentation of the results to elected officials earlier this year, the agency said only 29% of the homeless population had either a mental illness or substance abuse disorder and, therefore, 71% “
did not have a serious mental illness and/or report substance use disorder.”
The Times, however, found that about 67% had either a mental illness or a substance abuse disorder. Individually, substance abuse affects 46% of those living on the streets — more than three times the rate previously reported — and mental illness, including post-traumatic stress disorder, affects 51% of those living on the streets, according to the analysis.
And on it goes...
Mental illness, substance abuse and physical disabilities are much more pervasive in L.A. County's homeless population than previously reported, a Times analysis finds. The L.A. Homeless Services Authority narrowly interpreted its data, producing much lower numbers.
www.latimes.com
So, what... LA has 60,000 people living on the streets? And 67% of that 60,000 have a mental illness and/or a substance abuse disorder.