Definition of chronic homelessness
If we are serious about ending chronic homelessness, we should not make the definition even narrower than it is currently by defining the length of an episode of homelessness. This is something that would be nearly impossible for chronically homeless people with severe mental illness not only to remember but also to document. Ironically such a requirement could make it harder to house some of the most vulnerable people. We prefer a more comprehensive approach where physical and mental health are considered along with chronic homelessness in prioritizing who will be housed first. -Submitted by the New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness