Behavioral Health and Service Usage During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Emerging Adults Currently or Recently Experiencing Homelessness

This study provides information on how the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is affecting emerging adults currently or recently homeless in terms of engagement in protective behaviors, mental health, substance use, and access to services. Ninety participants in an ongoing clinical trial of a risk reduction program for homeless, aged 18–25 years, were administered items about COVID-19 between April 10 and July 9, 2020. Most participants reported engaging in COVID-19 protective behaviors. Past week mental health symptoms were reported by 38%–48% of participants, depending on symptoms. Among those who used substances before the outbreak, 16%–28% reported increased use of alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana. More than half of the participants reported increased difficulty meeting basic needs (e.g., food), and approximately 32%–44% reported more difficulty getting behavioral health services since the outbreak. Innovative strategies are needed to address the increased behavioral health needs of young people experiencing homelessness during events such as the COVID-19 outbreak.