Abstract
Individuals experiencing chronic homelessness have high rates of persistent co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders (COD), and they often have difficulty with service engagement and retention, resulting in symptom exacerbation and housing loss. This study pilot tested Maintaining Independence and Sobriety Through Systems Integration, Outreach and Networking (MISSION), a multicomponent wraparound treatment approach to improve COD symptoms and housing stability among individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and persistent COD. This open pilot study enrolled and assessed 109 individuals with a COD experiencing chronic homelessness and offered one year of MISSION. Statistically significant improvements were observed in behavioral health symptoms and functioning, days of illicit drug use, and housing stability. By treatment completion, 85% of participants were referred to social and behavioral supports. This pilot study demonstrates that MISSION helped to successfully engage participants in treatment, reduce substance use and mental health symptoms, and improve housing outcomes.
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Notes
One participant from the original sample of 109 was excluded as an outlier as they were 91 years old.
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Helm, A.F., Andre, M.A., Shaffer, P.M. et al. Multicomponent Co-Occurring Disorders Treatment and Wraparound Services for Individuals Experiencing Chronic Homelessness. Community Ment Health J (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-024-01271-w
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-024-01271-w