Reasons for homelessness among Micronesians at a transitional shelter in Hawai'i.
BACKGROUND
Over 6,000 people are homeless in the State of Hawai'i and a growing number are of Micronesian descent. This study looks at reasons for homelessness in the Micronesian population.


METHODS
The authors conducted a retrospective chart review of 145 patients who were seen in a free student-run medical clinic at a transitional shelter in Hawai'i. Demographics and reasons for homelessness were compiled for the patients of Micronesian ancestry.


RESULTS
Of the 56% of patients that were found to be of Micronesian ancestry, overcrowded housing was the most common reason leading to homelessness.


CONCLUSIONS
Overcrowded housing, probably caused by poverty, along with social and cultural differences, likely play a significant role in the reasons for homelessness in Micronesian migrants. More research needs to be done to discern the reasons for, attitudes towards, and solutions for homelessness in this population.
Omori
Jill S M
JS
Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Mililani, Hawai'i 96789-1192, USA. jill.omori@hawaii.edu
Kleinschmidt
Cristina Keolanani
CK
Lee
Eric K W
EK
Lindshield
Christopher J
CJ
Kuribayashi
Tina
T
Lee
Damon F
DF
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants; D005260:Female; D006254:Hawaii; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008849:Micronesia; D008875:Middle Aged; D011156:Population Density; D011203:Poverty; D011287:Prejudice; D011638:Public Housing; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012935:Social Justice; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult