Communicable Disease among People Experiencing Homelessness in California

Abstract

California has a large population of people experiencing homelessness (PEH) that is characterized by a high proportion of people who are unsheltered and chronically homeless. PEH are at increased risk of communicable diseases due to multiple, intersecting factors, including increased exposures, comorbid conditions including substance use disorder and mental illness, and lack of access to hygiene and healthcare facilities. Data available for several communicable diseases show that PEH in California experience an increased burden of communicable diseases compared to people not experiencing homelessness. Public health agencies face unique challenges in serving this population. Efforts to reduce homelessness, increase access to health care for PEH, enhance data availability and strengthen partnerships among agencies serving PEH can help reduce the disparity in communicable disease burden faced by PEH.