Physical Health

Homeless people suffer from high rates of  physical health problems exacerbated by living on the streets and in shelters. The lack of residential stability makes healthcare delivery more complicated. Health conditions that require ongoing treatment—such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, chemical addiction and mental illness—are difficult to treat when people are living in shelter or on the streets. Homeless people often lack access to preventative care, waiting until a trip to the emergency room is a matter of life or death. These emergency room visits are costly. Additionally, when homeless people become ill, they often do not receive timely treatment.