No fixed abode.
The mentally ill homeless tend to fall into three broad diagnostic groups: the functionally ill who suffer predominantly from schizophrenia, alcoholics, and the personality disordered. Mentally ill patients may avoid medical services completely and if hospitalized are often discharged to inadequate accommodation and unsuitable aftercare. There is evidence that small numbers of both chronic alcoholics and those with personality disorders can benefit from care given by highly trained workers in small community-based units. The problems of all destitute people are worsened by a lack of accommodation for the single poor.