Leader and advocate perceptions of disproportionate homelessness among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health issues in New York : a qualitative study

Jones, Tisha T. The homeless rate in NYS has been an ongoing challenge for many years. A quick fix to decrease homelessness is that NYS allows Medicaid funds to pay for diagnosed individuals to continue residency in hospital settings after discharge and for individuals without someone to receive them. When an individual is admitted to a psychiatric unit from home or a residential environment, based on the behaviors exhibited, that individual is never discharged back to their previous setting. The not-for-profit residences that provide services are currently not adequately staffed and unable to handle the psychiatric needs of individuals diagnosed with intellectual developmental disabilities and mental health. Family members are aging and not equipped and afraid to allow their loved ones back into their homes, leaving them in long-term hospital stays or living unsafe on the streets. This study focused on identifying adequate and permanent housing while providing needed support and services to individuals with intellectual, developmental, and mental health challenges within the community. Interviews were conducted with not-for-profit organizations, leaders, and advocates to assess further the effects of disproportionate levels of homelessness among people diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and mental health in New York City. The findings of this evaluation will not only impact individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health, but it will also impact provider agencies and people who are medically in need of hospital and psychiatric admission and residential housing placement, along with decreasing the homeless rate in New York State. Identifying alternative and permanent housing options will ensure everyone is entitled to a comfortable and safe environment and is provided with resources and support when needed. Identifying the reason why permanent housing cannot be secured will assist in helping individuals with IDD and MH access a safe place to call home that is affordable. This study utilized a qualitative design. Overall, the findings will significantly impact individuals suffering from mental health issues, mental illness, intellectual disabilities, individuals needing psychiatric care, housing-provider agencies, and policymakers. With the success of this study, alternative housing will be easier to access for people seeking housing, helping to decrease homelessness.

Grantor dc:publisher

Alverno College

Year dc:date

2024

Author dc:creator

• Jones, Tisha T.

• Homelessness--Psychological aspects
• People with mental disabilities
• Intellectual disabilities
• Mental health
• Mental illness
• Vulnerable populations
• Hospital discharge
• Appropriate housing
• Hospital readmission
• Qualitative research

Statement dc:rights

• These materials may be used by individuals and libraries for personal use, research, teaching (including distribution to classes), or for any fair use as defined by U.S. Copyright Law.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://alverno.omeka.net/items/show/948

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:alverno.omeka.net:948