The use of services by persons who frequent resources for homeless people in Montreal and Quebec City, who suffer from concurrent mental health and drug related disorders
Context: Since the 90’s, the province of Quebec pass through a deinstitutionalization process and integrated resources for people having concurrent mental health and drug related disorders were created. In Quebec, no study specified the utilization of services by homeless people with concurrent disorders, a population who face difficulties in receiving services. Objective: To describe utilization of mental health and substance related disorders services of clientele using resources intended for homeless people. Methods: This study uses data from a survey conducted on the clientele of resources for homeless persons in Montreal and Quebec city (n=757). Mental health problems, substance use disorders and concurrent disorders, as well as utilization of services related to these problems by clientele from resources for homeless people are presented. Results: Twenty-two percent of this population had concurrent disorders during a one-year period. They don’t use more mental health and substance related disorders services than those with a single problem and their utilization of these services is very low. Conclusion: Some suggestions are brought (supportive housing, PACT programs) and it is proposed to continue working on integration of services in order to improve accessibility for this clientele.