ntally ill individuals would shuffle through the cycle of depravity, receiving little to no intensive care. What I saw dismayed me, therefore prompted me to research the growing problem of the homeless mentally ill on the streets. What I have found is that current standards for helping such individuals is sub-par at best, the help they do receive leaves much to be desired. The homeless mentally ill is a very real problem in our society, effective measures need to be taken in order to reduce this expanding problem, consequently the major predicament surrounding the homeless mentally ill is a lack of sufficient mental health care.
             According to the Federal Task Force on Homelessness and Severe Mental Illness, of all the people in the United States with severe mental illnesses--estimated to be many as 4 million--1/20 are homeless. Of the estimated nearly 600,000 homeless people in the United States, 1/3 of the single adults are believed to be severely mentally ill (18). While these numbers may not seem like much in relation to other social ills, they present a heavy problem for mental health practitioners. Homeless people, more than most, present to the service provider a multiplicity of needs. According to Homelessness and Mental Health, There are very few simple or uncomplicated cases. Apart from assistance with obtaining shelter, clothing, food, financial support and other basic needs, their mental health is often to the point of significant deterioration (Bhugra 113).
             Along with problems associated with addressing the needs of the homeless mentally ill, most practitioners come from middle to upper class background and belief systems, thus they lack they the cultural knowledge needed to connect with the homeless mentally ill. Many mental health practitioners attempt to use outreach programs designed for seeking out those in need within their territory. While noble intentions, the practitioners do not realize they are jeopa...