One in three homeless are mentally ill in Marion, Polk

More than one in three homeless adults in Marion and Polk counties reported a mental health disability, according to the 2014 Homeless Count Report

That figure is nine times higher than the rate of mental health disabilities in the general population, according to data from the National Institute of Mental Health. Cities across the country continue to see high rates of mental illness among the homeless population, which adds unique challenges to finding permanent housing.

As many as 341 adults in Marion and Polk counties reported a mental health disability during the one-day homeless count last January, which was about 36 percent of adults counted. The annual survey takes a one-day snapshot of those living in shelters, on the streets and in camps on a given day. It's required for federal funds for housing and shelter.

Aaron Eggers, vice president of ministries at Union Gospel Mission, said the high rate of mental illness among the homeless isn't surprising.

"If you include non-psychotic, emotional, trauma-related disorders, the number is closer to 55 percent to 60 percent," he said.

Union Gospel Mission is on the front lines of serving the homeless population with one of the largest networks of shelters in the two counties, and it works closely with many suffering from mental illness.

Eggers developed a supportive services track for those with mental or physical disabilities severe enough to prevent employment. He helps them get settled, find an income such as Social Security and get permanent housing, he said, but it takes time.

At the same time, a large shelter isn't an ideal place for those suffering from mental illness because of the crowds, noise and chance for conflict. Eggers said Union Gospel Mission works hard to keep those with mental illness safe, but problems arise because many struggle with self control.

In a perfect world, he said, Salem would have a shelter and day room for those with mental illness and space for on-site coordination between agencies so clients can be served where they're staying. There also needs to be a more efficient system to help people with mental illness navigate Social Security, he said, and there needs to be more supportive, permanent housing.

Diane Merry, community resource program manager at Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency, hopes to share the report with local leaders to inspire a community conversation. In the past she shared it among colleagues on the front lines who were already familiar with the numbers.

"We've got a pretty solid thing going," she said about the report. "The next step is to get our community interested."

sknowlto@StatesmanJour nal.com or (503) 399-6735