The unique problems facing men who experience homelessness

(Image by Bethany Mollenkoff / The New York Times)

According to HUD, over 60% of all people experiencing homelessness are men. Nearly 70% of people not in shelters are men as well. The higher rate of homelessness among men may be attributed to a number of reasons: unemployment, limited social support networks, and issues regarding mental health and substance abuse, for example.

The need is there, and we’re well-positioned to help. The Weingart Center offers more than a shelter service. As one of the top agencies on the West Coast providing comprehensive services for those experiencing homelessness, we’re committed to helping as many people as possible turn their lives around. From mental and dental health services to reentry programs, and from substance abuse services to interim apartments that help with reintegrating, we’re involved every step of the way.

Our goal is to break the cycle of homelessness for every person. However, it’s undeniable that most of the people experiencing homelessness are men. In order to be effective, it’s essential to understand what’s unique about their situation and the cyclical nature of trauma and homelessness

Factors include:

• Violence
  First, there is a great risk of violence for men. Living without a secure home will expose any person to more harm. However, homeless men are even more susceptible to violence and victimization. In 2021, the LAPD reported 85 unhoused homicides, 74 of which were male. They can also be targeted for robbery, exploitation, or assault by people in their surrounding community — housed and unhoused alike — making their living conditions generally more dangerous.

• Shelter
  Men have a more challenging time gaining access to shelter and resources. Because there is a high number of men experiencing homelessness, shelter beds and resources specifically designed for men just aren’t as available. This scarcity leads to greater competition for resources. Additionally, this scarcity can result in difficulties accessing basic needs such as safe shelter, hygiene facilities, and supportive services, impacting their chances of survival.

• Mental health
  Twenty-two percent of all people experiencing homelessness in California have a severe mental illness, according to HUD. Men in this situation often face a higher prevalence of mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); 9 out of 10 unhoused veterans are male. Having limited access to mental health services can exacerbate their existing conditions and make it more challenging for them to secure stable housing.

• Substance abuse
  Chronic substance abuse, especially among those unsheltered, is a common issue among homeless individuals in California. However, men are more likely to struggle with addiction. Stress, violence, and mental illness are all contributing factors to continued drug and alcohol addiction. Substance abuse can further aggravate life on the street, making it more challenging to break the cycle without adequate support and treatment options.

• Unemployment
  Lack of employment and underemployment are significant challenges homeless men face. Getting a job is made more difficult due to stigmatization, a lack of education, criminal history, disabilities, addictions, and even simply lacking an address. These barriers to employment stand in the way of these men finding stability and regaining their financial independence.

• Healthcare
  Homeless men often have a hard time accessing healthcare services. This includes preventative care, mental health treatment, and substance abuse treatment. Many men have pre-existing conditions, and without housing, rest and recovery are more difficult. Everything from heart attacks to HIV to substance abuse becomes drastically more prevalent without secure housing, according to the CDC and NHCHC. Without access to healthcare beyond an emergency room visit, existing health conditions can be exacerbated and can lead to long-term health consequences.
  

Of course, these are just broad strokes about issues commonly faced by homeless men. Individual experiences can vary greatly. Homelessness requires a multifaceted approach, which is why the Weingart Center focuses on offering comprehensive services and a large group of experts who can provide the unique care and attention each person needs to turn their life around. Learn about Weingart Center’s wide range of programs and services.

Learn more about how homelessness affects women.