Morbidity and Mortality among Adults Experiencing Homelessness Hospitalized with COVID-19

Cha, Susan; Henry, Ankita; Montgomery, Martha P; Laws, Rebecca L; Pham, Huong; Wortham, Jonathan; Garg, Shikha; Kim, Lindsay; Mosites, Emily

People experiencing homelessness (PEH) are at higher risk for chronic health conditions, but clinical characteristics and outcomes for PEH hospitalized with COVID-19 are not known. We analyzed population-based surveillance data of COVID-19-associated hospitalizations during March 1-May 31, 2020. Two percent of the people hospitalized with COVID-19 for whom a housing status was recorded were homeless. Of 199 cases in the analytic sample, most were of racial/ethnic minority groups, and had underlying health conditions. Clinical outcomes such as ICU admission, respiratory support including mechanical ventilation, and deaths were documented. Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Black persons accounted for most mechanical ventilation and deaths. Severe illness was common among persons experiencing homelessness who were hospitalized with COVID-19.