There is a clear correlation between homelessness and addiction. 

Of the vulnerable men and women we serve every day, about 28% report drug or alcohol abuse. For many, addictions are a result of the traumas they’ve faced in their lives. Maybe they were trying to fit in as a young child or maybe they were abused and trying to cope – there are many, many traumas that lead to addiction. 

Unfortunately, many don’t get the help they need. It’s estimated that only 10% of those dealing with addiction receive comprehensive addiction treatment. This often leads to homelessness as families and close relationships push them away, or, in many cases, as they distance themselves. Unless they get to the root cause of that addiction, they will likely face the cycle we see far too often.

The National Coalition for the Homeless has found that 38% of people experiencing homelessness are alcohol dependent, and 26% are dependent on other harmful chemicals. 

These numbers are only growing. 

Addiction on the rise since the Pandemic began

Unfortunately, COVID-19 has created an even bigger addiction problem than before. Since the COVID pandemic began, there’s been:

• A 50% increase in drug overdose deaths
• 75,000 projected additional deaths from overdose, alcohol abuse, and suicide

The stressors of a pandemic have heightened the addiction problem we see. More people are starting, or often falling back into, addictions, and fewer people are getting help.

How we’re helping

Our goal is to get these men and women the help they need. This means getting to the root cause(s) of their addiction and homelessness, while helping them make a lasting change in their lives. 

We currently have two locations set up to help those facing addiction: 

1. For men, The Potter’s House is a Christian-based, residential recovery program. There are several recovery services available for men with chemical addiction, such as one-on-one counseling and clinic groups.
2. For women facing addiction, My Sister’s House offers counseling. This is a safe and healthy environment in which women can recover and grow from past experiences.

We also have a number of resources and partners available to help. It starts with choosing help and facing the root cause of the addiction.