Improving health depends on accessing health care services and engaging in appropriate treatment. People experiencing homelessness have higher rates of chronic conditions, acute illnesses, and behavioral health issues compared to their housed counterparts, which contributes to earlier mortality and higher rates of disability and poor health. This population also tends to experience greater barriers to accessing care because they tend not to have a stable mailing address, often lack transportation, face stigma and discrimination when accessing care, and must prioritize meeting basic survival needs such as finding food, shelter, and safety on a daily basis. Poor health is a leading cause of homelessness, and the experience of homelessness creates new health problems while worsening current ones. Combined, these factors make it hard to regain housing stability.
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