What Street People Reported About Service Access and Drug Treatment

This study presents the perceptions of a sample of homeless people, living on the streets, in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Questions were asked that elicited their opinions about drug addiction, housing and treatment needs. Two-thirds of the 225 persons interviewed in 2000 and 2001 reported that they were not eligible for treatment or housing. Forty-two percent of those who received treatment for substance use disorders reported that their treatment was ineffective because aftercare and residential supports were not available to them. The major findings of this study were: That service eligibility requirements were a barrier to adequate care; and that more homeless persons would consider treatment if housing placement was part of the continuum of services.