San Diego Regional Task Force on the Homeless

Studies have documented that one-third of the homeless population suffers from chronic alcoholism and one-tenth abuse drugs other than alcohol. In the following viewpoint, the San Diego Regional Task Force on the Homeless asserts that substance abuse is often a cause of homelessness because it inhibits a person’s ability to work and to maintain family relationships. Furthermore, once homeless, many people use alcohol and drugs as a means of coping with their problems. The San Diego Regional Task Force is a partnership of public agencies, private groups, and homeless advocates whose goal is to end homelessness in San Diego County.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. As cited by the author, what percentage of urban homeless adults suffer from alcoholism, drug addiction, mental illness, or...