Demystifying the margins: Understanding effects of criminalization and health systems on homeless individuals' mental health

Existing research suggests that conditions associated with homelessness tend to worsen the health and well-being of homeless individuals (Metraux, Eng, Bainbridge et al,, 2011; Andreou, Bailey, Borgwardt., 2019, Lam, 2022; Wiewel, Zhong, Xia et al., 2023; Richards, Henwood, Porter et al., 2023). In this project, I attempt to identify how homeless individuals reckon with some of the most difficult elements of homelessness, particularly relating to their mental health and wellbeing. The bulk of this research is focused on a series of interviews that were conducted with homeless individuals, over the course of approximately five months. These interviews primarily focused on the experiences of homeless individuals as they relate to state violence, social marginalization, and attempts to access healthcare with limited or lacking insurance. The fifteen homeless participants interviewed for the project were recruited with staff support from my partner organization, BronxWorks. BronxWorks itself is a government funded homeless service organization based in the Bronx, NY, that contains numerous shelters and programs across the borough. Analysis of interviews focuses on common themes throughout discussions with homeless individuals, regarding their experiences. Research findings included trends of participants who reported having belongings lost or stolen in shelter environments and on the street; participants who reported the shelter system makes maintaining mental health more difficult; and participants who stated if they could change one thing about healthcare, police systems, or shelter systems, many would encourage individuals to be kinder, more caring, and/or more compassionate. Identifying the most prevalent issues for homeless people’s mental health will be crucial for further analysis of specific needs and solutions.