California is facing a crisis as the mortality rate for unhoused Americans has more than tripled in the last decade, making it significantly more deadly to be homeless. A recent study revealed that the death rate among homeless individuals soared between 2011 and 2020, highlighting the urgency of addressing the homelessness crisis.
The study, conducted by the University of Pennsylvania, found that the mortality rate for homeless individuals increased by 238%, a trend described as ‘astonishing’ by co-author Matthew Fowle. The rise in deaths was attributed to overdoses, as well as increased rates of preventable causes such as heat and cold exposure, traffic injuries, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
Fowle emphasized the daily struggles faced by those living on the streets or in shelters, stating that the immediate concerns for survival often overshadow long-term health considerations. The study, published in the health policy research journal Health Affairs, underscores the pressing need for further research and intervention to address the escalating death rates among the homeless population.
The findings of the study serve as a stark reminder of the critical importance of state and local efforts to combat homelessness in California. With lives at stake, the urgency to provide support and solutions for the unhoused population has never been greater.
