WHEELING, W.Va. — As local leaders work to address homelessness in the Ohio Valley, one advocate says expanding access to long-term mental health treatment must be a priority.
Susan Hagan, lead coordinator for the Northern Panhandle Continuum of Care, said mental illness remains one of the leading factors contributing to chronic homelessness throughout the region.
According to Hagan, homelessness is often linked to a combination of challenges, including eviction, addiction, criminal convictions and mental health conditions. She said mental illness frequently overlaps with the other issues, making it difficult for individuals to achieve long-term stability without consistent treatment and support.
Hagan estimates that a majority of the area’s homeless population is living with some form of mental illness. However, she says the Northern Panhandle has limited inpatient treatment options, forcing many individuals in crisis to seek care outside the region.
She also expressed concerns about gaps in follow-up care after treatment, noting that some individuals return to homelessness shortly after being discharged from facilities.
As a new homelessness task force begins work in Wheeling, Hagan said addressing the lack of long-term mental health resources will be essential to making lasting progress.
Community leaders continue to explore solutions aimed at reducing homelessness while improving access to housing, treatment and support services across the region.
