During
extreme heat in India, the populations that were reported to perish in highest numbers were the very poor, elderly, outdoor laborers and homeless, likely with preexisting health problems and a
lack of access to relief
In addition to the complex set
of factors influencing all homelessness —
extreme shortage
of affordable housing, livable income and
access to health care — a large number
of displaced and at - risk veterans live with lingering effects
of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse, which are compounded by a
lack of family and social support networks.