Homelessness is a serious public health issue.[i] Not having a home makes it harder to find a job, stay healthy, and maintain relationships.[ii] Those experiencing homelessness are three to four times more likely to die prematurely than their housed counterparts.[iii] Homelessness increases the risk of being exposed to communicable disease (e.g. TB, respiratory illnesses, etc.), violence, malnutrition, and harmful weather. Behavioral health issues such as depression or alcoholism often develop or are made worse in such situations. The risk of being homeless is 10 to 20 times higher among individuals with serious mental illness compared to the general population. Additionally, children living in homeless shelters have been found to suffer from depression, have a behavioral problems, or severe academic delay.