By Andrew BowenThe Daily Northwestern
On any given night, about 90 people sleep on the streets in Evanston. Most have serious health problems but lack access to treatment because they have no insurance.
Homeless people in Evanston and the Chicago area face exposure to extreme weather, the dangers of inadequate nutrition and are often victims of violence. Without insurance, these factors all contribute to poor health.
“Lack of health care creates chronic problems,” said Kathleen Higgins, director of development for Connections for the Homeless, an Evanston-based umbrella organization that provides services to prevent and reduce homelessness.
“People who are living on the street are very likely to experience violence…and injuries can turn into chronic issues.”
