Brain Injury, Homelessness, and Extreme Heat
Research shows that traumatic brain injury (TBI) is disproportionately common among people experiencing homelessness. A 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis found that 53.1% of homeless and marginally housed individuals had experienced a traumatic brain injury during their lifetime, highlighting the significant connection between brain injury and housing instability.
This connection matters because brain injury can make it significantly more difficult to maintain stable housing, employment, healthcare, and social support.
Without proper support, some survivors find themselves at increased risk of housing instability or homelessness. Once homelessness occurs, the risks multiply.
Brain Injury, Homelessness, and Extreme Heat
Research shows that traumatic brain injury (TBI) is disproportionately common among people experiencing homelessness. A 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis found that 53.1% of homeless and marginally housed individuals had experienced a traumatic brain injury during their lifetime, highlighting the significant connection between brain injury and housing instability.
This connection matters because brain injury can make it significantly more difficult to maintain stable housing, employment, healthcare, and social support.
Without proper support, some survivors find themselves at increased risk of housing instability or homelessness. Once homelessness occurs, the risks multiply.
Arizona’s extreme heat presents a serious public health threat, particularly in Maricopa County, where temperatures regularly exceed 110°F during the summer months. According to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, 602 heat-related deaths were confirmed in 2024. While this represented the first year-over-year decline in heat deaths in a decade, hundreds of Arizonans still lost their lives to extreme heat.
People experiencing homelessness face some of the greatest risks. Without consistent access to air conditioning, shelter, shade, transportation, or healthcare, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can quickly become life-threatening. Heat exhaustion, dehydration, heat stroke, kidney injury, and cardiovascular complications can develop rapidly, especially during extended periods outdoors.
For brain injury survivors, the danger can be even greater.
Some individuals with brain injuries experience impaired temperature regulation, reduced awareness of physical symptoms, memory challenges, or cognitive fatigue. These symptoms can make it harder to recognize the warning signs of heat-related illness or take appropriate action before a medical emergency develops.
A survivor who forgets to drink water, misses transportation to a cooling center, becomes disoriented, or struggles to access available resources may face significantly higher risks during Arizona’s hottest months.
This is why addressing homelessness, brain injury, and heat safety cannot happen in isolation.
These issues are interconnected and require coordinated community support.
Housing assistance, cooling centers, case management, healthcare access, transportation services, and brain injury support programs all play a role in protecting vulnerable individuals during extreme weather.
If you or someone you know is experiencing housing instability, help is available. Arizona residents can contact 2-1-1 Arizona for information on emergency shelter, housing assistance, utility support, and local resources. The Arizona Department of Housing also provides programs designed to help individuals and families find and maintain stable housing.
At the Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona (BIAAZ), we understand that the effects of brain injury extend far beyond medical treatment. Brain injury can impact housing stability, employment, financial security, relationships, and overall quality of life.
If you or a loved one is living with a brain injury and needs support, resources, or guidance, we are here to help.
Contact BIAAZ at (888) 500-9165, visit BIAAZ.org, or email info@biaaz.org to connect with resources, support groups, and trusted guidance.
Together, we can help brain injury survivors and their families access the resources, education, advocacy, and support they need to thrive.
The Brain Injury Association of Arizona is the state’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of brain injury survivors, their families, and caregivers. Your generous support is crucial to continue providing them with programs and services.
ABOUT BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION OF ARIZONA
The Brain Injury Association of Arizona (BIAAZ) is the only statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of adults and children with all types of brain injuries through prevention, advocacy, awareness and education. BIAAZ also houses the Arizona Brain Health Resource Center, a collection of educational information and neuro-specific resources for brain injury survivors, caregivers, family members and professionals.
What began in 1983 as a grassroots effort has grown into a strong statewide presence, providing valuable life-long resources and community support for individuals with all types of brain trauma at no charge.