Substance Abuse Services Needed for Homeless Population

SIOUX CITY, Iowa - July 5, 2018 - PRLog -- Government officials are working to expand mental health and substance abuse treatment services for homeless individuals.

Even though a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development report found that Iowa has a low rate of homelessness compared to other states like California, Sioux City surveys found that many local homeless persons lacked resources.

The 2016 Siouxland Street Project recorded that nearly half of its respondents said they wanted more mental health services, while about a third needed help with substance use disorders.

According to the Siouxland Coalition to End Homelessness' Point-in-Time Count, out of 264 homeless persons, 42 had mental health issues while 63 were struggling with substance abuse.

A large portion of the demographic surveyed were of Native American descent.

The Siouxland Street Project held a conference in May with local officials. One of the topics discussed at the meeting was the possibility of opening a new drug detoxification center and implementing additional programs to help the homeless.

https://www.drugaddictionnow.com/2018/07/03/sioux-city-su...