This increases depression and dependency on avoiding the feeling of being sober and dealing with financially stressful situations. They feel hopeless and have given up any chance of healing mentally and in some cases physically in the event of an overdose. Poverty can take a toll on anyone emotionally, physically and mentally when they are unable to afford to maintain good hygiene, eat regularly or even have money to eat, all of which places strain on physical and mental health. Those struggling with addiction and living in poverty cannot receive any of the help they need to overcome the psychological and physical need for substances. In this case employment is even more difficult to obtain because the applicant is unable to pass a drug test. Addictions cloud judgment and any amount of money for food and other types of necessities are not as important as their next high or drinking. “Having a safe place to live, coupled with community-based mental health services, is a vital component to stabilizing illness and helping people on their journey to recovery. Housing outreach services have been extremely effective in helping people with mental illness find and maintain housing.”(© 2016 Canadian Observatory on