REGISTRY WEEK RESULTS

Katie Kitchin and Chere Bradshaw

Oct. 8, 2012

The Memphis Team and Approach• A strategy of the Mayors’ Action Plan to End Homelessness• More than 90 volunteers surveyed unsheltered individuals Oct. 3-5• Teams met at 4:45 each morning, covered all of Shelby County;

interviewed those sleeping outside. • Focus for the Good photographed the project.

Summary Findings

• 259 unsheltered individuals completed the survey.

• 135 determined “vulnerable” = statistically at high risk of mortality due to medical, mental health, and substance abuse

Self-reported conditions

• 29% were tri-morbid (chronic medical issues + MH and SA)

• 130 reported serious medical concerns

• 140 reported mental health disorders (though prevalence rate is much higher)

• 197 reported substance abuse issues

Homeless Histories

• Average length of time homeless = 9 years vulnerable, 5 years not vulnerable

• Average age = 49• Very few reported regular

shelter stays, 80% slept mostly outside year-round.

• 84% met chronic homelessness criteria = disability, continuous homelessness

• 102 reported having been subject of a violent attack while homeless.

Health-Related Data

• 55 had more than 3 ER visits in the past 3 months

• 130 had a serious health condition

• 356 hospitalizations in the past year

• 442 ER visits in past 90 days.

• 71% had no health insurance.

• 15% had Medicaid

Veterans Data

• 41 Veterans surveyed• 25 vulnerable vets with average length of homelessness = 12 yrs.

• 14 Viet Nam era, 12 more recent

• 10 with heart problems, 6 with cancer, 8 HepC, 5 TB

Estimated Impact

• National studies show conservative estimate = $30,000/person/year in safety net expenses.

• 218 chronically homeless individuals likely cost $6.5M/year

Next Steps

• Second-level assessments/priority list established

• Securing housing: 55 units secured; 40 in the pipeline.

• Support services to begin simultaneously

• Intensive, home-based services will be provided 1:15 ratio