ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the relationship between homelessness and health. The first section of this chapter outlines the findings from previous research about the extent of health conditions in the homeless community. Next, this chapter describes the health of individuals who experience homelessness in Myrtle Beach. The surveys conducted by the authors highlight how the current health care system is failing the working poor. Many respondents became homeless after a health care crisis. More than half of the respondents have serious chronic health problems that prevent them from securing employment and, subsequently, housing. This chapter also discusses practical policy changes to help alleviate the health crisis among people who are experiencing homelessness.
