How can homelessness affect someone with mental health problems?

A lot. Homeless-: ness is a severe stress, and piling that on top of a mental condition (which handles stress less well) is potentially like pouring salt on a wound. A lot of homeless people suffer from severe mental illnesses, which is likely a contributing factor to their plight. Just ask them how easy life is--IT ISN'T. Try to find a program with the County/State to help and get some support.

Not well: Mental illness can lead to being homeless. A large percentage (20-25%) of homeless people suffer from severe mental illness and/or substance abuse compared to 6% of the general US population. Stable life situation and social support are major positive factors in mental health. The homeless are likely to have poor health, lack health care and are vulnerable to violence. It's a vicious cycle