Service Providers to the Homeless Mentally Ill: Their Thoughts,Perceptions, and Recommendations for the Homeless

A qualitative research study was conducted to obtain an understanding of the people who provide senvices to persons who are homeless and mentally ill. Selvice providers were asked about the kinds of selvices they provide, what they consider beneficial to this population, the kinds of selvices they would like to provide, and what is needed to allevwte the homeless problem. Selvices found in the study included, those that meet basic needs, psychiatric/medical selvices, social setvices, and activities. Service providers indicated the major selvice priority is housing and the necessity of: (a) a safe environment, (b) additional psychiatric/social selvices, (c) day programs, and (d) health care. It is recommended that selvice providers advocate for the necessary improvements in services including, collaborative workshops and training sessions to the public and to each other.