National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day

People who are homeless are at greater risk of infectious and chronic illness, poor mental health, and substance abuse, as well as being victims of violence, compared to the general population. In addition, the mortality rate for those experiencing chronic homelessness is four to nine times higher than for the general population. In one literature review, the life expectancy for people who are homeless was reported to be approximately 45 years.¹

Since 1990, on or near the first day of winter, and the longest night of the year (12/21/12), the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH), National Consumer Advisory Board (NCAB), and the National Health Care for the Homeless Council (NHCHC) have co-sponsored the National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day to remember those who have died while homeless.

The lack of stable housing and access to supportive services are at the core of homelessness. The challenges that precipitate and often worsen during the course of homelessness can affect anyone. Addressing the public health needs of the homeless population requires collaborative and integrated efforts with partners and communities. Federal agencies are working to identify ways we can improve [PDF - 3.2MB] the lives of people affected by homelessness.  CDC contributes by working to improve the spectrum of factors and environments that determine available choices for healthy living for everyone. There is much that we can do to improve the health of homeless individuals and families.

On December 21, 2012, take a moment to reflect and join others as they remember those who have lost their lives while they were homeless. We hope you will take time to learn more about this public health concern. Please check out the links below for more information.

More Information

• National Coalition for the Homeless, National Homeless Person' Memorial Day
• National Health Care for the Homeless, Homeless Memorial Day

National Organizations for the Homeless

• National Health Care for the Homeless Council
• National Coalition for the Homeless

Federal Resources on Homelessness

• Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness [PDF - 3.2MB]
• US Department of Veteran's Affairs: Homeless Veterans
• Homelessness Resources Center
• Mental Health Services Locator
• U.S. Department on Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Homeless Topic Page
• Local Homelessness Assistance By State
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Homelessness
• United States Interagency Council on Homelessness

CDC Web Resources

• Public Health and Homelessness Video Podcast
• Social Determinants of Health
• Persons Who Use Drugs
• HIV/AIDS
• Viral Hepatitis
• Tuberculosis
• Homelessness is a risk factor for TB
• Violence Prevention
• Intimate Partner Violence: Consequences

CDC Audio Podcasts on Homelessness

• Homeless and Policy – Part I [PODCAST - 4:43 minutes]
• Homeless and Policy – Part II [PODCAST - 7:37 minutes]
• Homelessness and Health – Part I [PODCAST - 8:47 minutes]
• Homelessness and Health – Part II [PODCAST - 7:52 minutes]

¹O'Connell, J. (2005). Premature mortality in homeless populations: A review of the literature. Nashville: National Health Care for the Homeless Council, Inc.