Reducing homelessness by 25% could save thousands of lives lost to drug and alcohol overdoses, according to a new study from the University of Georgia.
This is the first study to suggest that increased homelessness could be a cause in increased overdose deaths. The research found that even small decreases in homelessness could save lives— even a 10% decline could save more than 600 people.
In a similar way, the study suggests that an increase in evictions since the end of the COVID-19 eviction moratorium in 2021 has increased accidental drug and alcohol deaths. Other studies suggest a housing-first approach may be the solution to both issues.
