Homelessness
An estimated 8,800 King County residents are homeless each night. Mental illness, chemical dependency, or both are common problems among these individuals. In 1998, a study by King County estimated that homeless individuals enrolled in mental health services were 400% more likely to be incarcerated than housed individuals receiving the same services (King County Dept. of Community and Human Services, 2007). This estimate does not include the many individuals not receiving services. Nationally, it is estimated that 14% of jail inmates were homeless at the time of arrest (U.S. Department of Justice, 2004). In addition, many offenders find it challenging to comply with treatment when they do not have stable housing.