Breaking Down Barriers: Supporting ABI Survivors Experiencing Homelessness
A recent study published in Frontiers in Public Health shines a spotlight on a population facing overlapping challenges: individuals experiencing homelessness who also live with acquired brain injury (ABI), mental health struggles, and substance use (MHSU).
You can read the full study here: Front. Public Health, 2025; 13:1643689.
The Stakes Are High
ABI dramatically increases risk of homelessness: Prevalence of traumatic brain injury among homeless or marginally housed populations is over 50%—2.5 to 4 times higher than the general population. Many sustain TBIs prior to becoming unhoused, which is strongly linked to poorer health and housing outcomes Frontiers.
Mental health challenges are common: ABI survivors often experience anxiety, depression, and grief; conditions complicated further by substance use as a coping mechanism
Key Barriers Identified
Through collaborative workshops involving survivors, service providers, and community leaders, researchers identified these five major obstacles:
Stigma – Prejudice against individuals experiencing ABI, addiction, or homelessness undermines access to even basic support.
Insufficient Investment – Inadequate funding for housing and disability support leaves many depending on insufficient and unstable services.
Siloed Systems – Fragmented healthcare, housing, and addiction services create complexities ill-suited for individuals with cognitive impairments.
Generalized Housing Approaches – One-size-fits-all housing models often fail to address the nuanced needs of ABI survivors (e.g., safety, support for daily living).
Policy Gaps – Existing policies frequently fail to accommodate the full scope of concurrent needs experienced by this population Frontiers.
What Makes a Difference?
The study also pinpointed five facilitators: practices that genuinely support survivors of ABI and MHSU in unstable housing:
Increased Discourse – More conversation about overlapping challenges opens the door to better-designed services.
Governmental Commitment – Policy-level engagement is vital for systemic change.
Collaboration Across Sectors – Cooperation between organizations reduces barriers and streamlines access.
Community-Based Services – Local, grassroots supports—including outreach and peer support—build real trust and access.
Supportive Housing Models – Tailored housing with embedded care and community integration maintains dignity and safety Frontiers.
Why This Matters for SLG?
While this study highlights a particularly marginalized group, the themes of fragmentation, stigma, and the need for holistic, trauma-aware, and accessible supports resonate deeply with our ABI community. These findings reinforce our commitment to:
Integrative Support: Combining housing, interdisciplinary supports, and brain injury services into cohesive systems.
Person-Centered Models: Ensuring our services adapt to each individual's cognitive, emotional, and social strengths and needs.
Barrier Awareness: Identifying and reducing stigma, policy constraints, and system complexities that undermine well-being.
Moving Forward Together
The research underscores a powerful insight: without inclusive, coordinated service models and supportive policies, ABI survivors are left navigating multiple systemic failures. But with community-based practice, collaboration, and awareness, we can support better outcomes and safeguard dignity and health.
If you're interested in how SLG is integrating these lessons into our programs or want to explore advocacy or partnership, feel free to reach out.