Homelessness is inextricably tied up with mental illness and addiction.  In their 2nd Report on the Homeless in the Tri-Cities (October 2006 - March 2007), the Hope for Freedom Society reported that 37% of homeless persons contacted in the Tri-Cities were suffering from a mental illness, and 88% were addicted to drugs and alcohol.  The following pages on mental health and addiction are intended to provide some insights into these ailments and hopefully a better understanding of the challenges that persons who are homeless face in moving to a healthier, independent lifestyle.