America’s homelessness crisis has evolved into a crisis of color. Even the casual observer couldn’t fail to
notice that in every homeless shelter, domestic violence shelter, and soup
kitchens across America, the black faces outnumber those of whites
and other minorities.
The Cycle of Poverty, Mental Illness, & Homelessness
Before the economic
crisis in 2008, whites held more wealth than most minorities, including blacks.
After the financial crisis hit, the gap
just kept growing. At its root, homelessness is a poverty issue, and more
blacks have been living in poverty than any other race. While substance abuse
and domestic violence can lead anyone into crisis, the lack of money can
exacerbate the situation.
In the US, 34 million people regularly identify themselves
as African American. Approximately 22 percent of those individuals live in
poverty, and it is poverty that places these people
at higher risk for:
- Homelessness
- Mental Illness
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Being a Victim of a Violent Crime
- Being Incarcerated
African Americans & the Stigma of Mental Illness
Unfortunately, in the African American community, mental health conditions may be
misunderstood, and mental illness is often something that “isn’t discussed.” This lack of knowledge often
leads community members to believe people suffering from mental illness are
weak. In some circles, those with mental illness may be experiencing punishment
from God or a lack of faith.
This silence comes at a high price, robbing those with mental illness of the necessary support
from family and clergy. Without a support system in place, many folks may be
prevented from accessing care. Undoubtedly, shame and discouragement may cause
those receiving care to cease treatment.
Of course, the shame and abandonment sufferers fear so much may
become inevitable as their symptoms
worsen. Untreated mental illness often leads to strained familial
relationships, social dysfunction, and incarceration. Divorce, unemployment, and suicide are also common outcomes for those who
are unable to obtain or sustain mental health treatment.
Barriers Preventing Blacks from Receiving Treatment
Confronted with prejudice and
discrimination on a daily basis, African Americans can’t expect the healthcare
system to offer refuge from this social reality. Consequently, this systemic
distrust that prevents many blacks from ever seeking treatment. For those that are
seeking treatment, confronting a system that offers frequent misdiagnoses, inadequate
treatment, and a pervasive lack of cultural competence among healthcare
professionals seems to be the norm rather than the exception.
Poverty plays a significant role in
preventing blacks from receiving appropriate care for mental illness. While
there are many options for mental health treatment, too many of these options
are not available for individuals who don’t have health insurance or enough
money to cover rising treatment costs. Furthermore, Medicaid may not be
available to help cover the costs for many due to reduced coverage options in
many states. Sadly, those who may have had coverage through Obamacare may find
themselves priced out of the market as health insurance premiums are increasing
at an exponential rate.
Education is the Key to Ending Homelessness & Untreated Mental Illness
Untreated mental illness can make life especially difficult
for anyone. Consequently, sufferers may not be able to hold down jobs or even
connect with community supports. People with mental illness may be estranged
from family or trapped in situations of abuse or domestic violence. Obtaining
or maintaining housing may seem like an impossible task for someone experiencing
a mental health crisis.
Education is paramount to addressing these concerns from
within the black community. Educating individuals and the community as a whole is essential in decreasing the risk of
homelessness for African Americans with mental health issues. Members of the
black community, especially those who occupy positions in health care and clergy, must come together with
policymakers to develop strategies for eliminating the stigma of mental
illness.
Of course, educating the black community isn’t enough.
African Americans need to unite and
engage in open dialogue with psychiatrists and mental health professionals from all walks of life to increase awareness of the
cultural differences and unique needs blacks with mental illness may have. Only
then, will there be a chance of reducing the rate of homelessness in the black
community.
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