Ending Long-Term Homelessness
Chronically homeless individuals-those who have lived on the streets for a year or more-are among King County's most vulnerable people. They have a greater likelihood of dying from chronic illnesses and being victims of violence. Their average life expectancy is 48.
With local government and nonprofit agencies, United Way of King County is creating permanent housing with on-site services like mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment and job training. Thanks to the generous donors of United Way's Campaign to End Chronic Homelessness, since 2007 1,000 of the most vulnerable people experiencing homelessness have moved off the streets and into homes.
People who have been homeless for literally years, and have been written off, are regaining their dignity and purpose. They're finally getting a chance to come home.
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY
- It is estimated that roughly 20 percent of King County's homeless population experiences chronic homelessness.
- Most chronically homeless people suffer from severe mental and physical health issues as well as alcohol and drug addictions. They are frequent users of crisis services such as hospital emergency rooms, the county sobriety center and the county jail.
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Studies show that chronically homeless people are more responsive to interventions and other social services once they experience the safety of permanent housing. Moving chronically homeless people into supportive housing makes economic sense. On average, it costs significantly less to house chronically homeless people than it does to leave them on the streets.
