Preventive strategy urged for homelessness

WASHINGTON, July 27 (UPI) -- Experts are urging a strategy to prevent homelessness and to help those currently homeless in the United States and Europe.

In a special issue of Springer's Journal of Primary Prevention, entitled "Homelessness and Mental Illness: Perspectives on Prevention," a dozen articles discuss the value of prevention and outline innovative strategies that are working to prevent and end homelessness.

The articles speak to the unique needs of specific groups at high risk for homelessness, including veterans, individuals with substance use and mental-health conditions and vulnerable families.

"Each year some 2 to 3 million individuals experience a night of homelessness, and approximately 800,000 people are homeless in the United States on any given night," Terry Cline, administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in Washington, said in a statement.

"By raising awareness about effective homelessness prevention and intervention programs, this special issue can help local organizations make informed decisions about the approaches that will work best in their communities."