Health
What do we mean by Health?
For BOSS, health means the maximum possible physical, mental and social well-being, not merely the absence or management of illness or disability. BOSS aims to help people achieve good health not only by referrals to medical experts but by empowering each person who comes to us to make healthy choices for his or her life.
What health issues typically face BOSS participants?
70% of our program participants are mentally ill or dually diagnosed with both mental illness and drug or alcohol addiction. 5% have HIV/AIDS, with a larger percentage at high risk. Most receive public benefits or are without income. Those who do work do not earn enough to live on, or have temporary or part- time jobs with no health benefits.
These mental and physical health issues are often at the root of homelessness. Poor health prevents people from finding or sustaining employment or accommodation, or depletes whatever savings they might have, causing them to lose their homes. To truly reach the maximum of their capacity, people need to be as healthy as possible.
Advocacy
BOSS advocates for policy solutions that support expanded access to health resources for homeless and disabled people. We participate in planning forums that affect the way health care services are provided in our community, such as recent County-based planning for the implementation of State Proposition 63 (funding new mental health programs including outreach to the homeless community). We campaign for more money for health care services. And we advocate for the inclusion of homeless people at local, state, and national decision-making tables.
For more information on BOSS’s advocacy work, visit createpeaceathome.org.
