"Bridging the Gap: Community Nursing Interventions for Improving Health Outcomes Among Homeless Populations"

Abstract: Homelessness remains a major global public health concern affecting millions of individuals across developed and developing nations. People experiencing homelessness encounter severe health disparities due to poverty, social exclusion, limited healthcare access, inadequate nutrition, unsafe living conditions, mental illness, substance abuse, and chronic diseases. Community health nurses play a pivotal role in addressing these multidimensional challenges through preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and advocacy-based interventions. This review article explores comprehensive community nursing interventions designed to improve the physical, mental, and social well-being of homeless populations. The article discusses determinants of homelessness, associated health risks, barriers to healthcare access, and evidence-based nursing strategies including outreach programs, mobile clinics, mental health services, health education, chronic disease management, substance abuse interventions, maternal-child health services, and intersectoral collaboration. The review also highlights policy implications, ethical considerations, and innovative approaches for strengthening community-based healthcare delivery systems. Community nurses are uniquely positioned to foster trust, reduce healthcare inequities, and promote social justice among homeless individuals. Strengthening nursing-led interventions can significantly improve quality of life, reduce hospitalizations, and contribute toward achieving equitable healthcare access for marginalized populations.