[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Petrenchik edited.jpg” caption=”Theresa Petrenchik, assistant clinical professor in the School of Rehabilitation. File photo. “]Almost 4,000 men, women and children stayed at Hamilton emergency shelters in 2006. For every person who stays at a shelter, it is estimated that between one and three people are homeless with nowhere to go.

A group of researchers at McMaster University are working on a one-year pilot project with the City of Hamilton to provide mobile counseling and mental health assessment services for 45 homeless adults and those who have recently been released from prison. A comparison group of 45 individuals will also be followed.

Due to their transitory lifestyle, providing services to the homeless can be difficult, says Dr. Theresa Petrenchik, assistant clinical professor in the School of Rehabilitation and member of the McMaster Poverty Initiative.

“They float in and out of different systems of care,” such as prisons, shelters and emergency rooms, she explained. That's why it's important to establish contact with prisoners before they get released.

The project aims to follow these individuals for one year and provide them with services wherever they go. The researchers will also evaluate the effectiveness of the program in helping the homeless find housing and reintegrate into the community.

Petrenchik has been researching homelessness since 2001. Of particular interest to her is the link between head injuries and homelessness.

The project will screen the homeless for head injuries and cognitive disorders. Without specialized treatment, the odds of a homeless person with a head injury getting off the streets are much lower than someone without a head injury, says Petrenchik.

“Homelessness is associated with every health disparity you can imagine,” she explains. “Those who are chronically homeless represent the smallest portion of the homeless population, but they consume the most resources.” Since the homeless don't get the medical treatment they need to manage their health problems, they often end up in emergency rooms.

Established a year ago, the McMaster Poverty Initiative consists of students, faculty and staff who focus on poverty research, advocacy and education. The group is currently conducting a survey on poverty in Hamilton. To participate, please e-mail povertysurvey@learnlink.mcmaster.ca.