Health Care for the Homeless
The Health Care for the Homeless Program (HCH) provides primary health care, substance abuse care, emergency care and referrals, and outreach services to people experiencing homelessness. The program also provides assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness by encouraging proactive case management that includes improving access to housing opportunities, job training, income supports, and other mainstream benefits including Medicaid.
Individuals experiencing homelessness become ill three to six times more frequently than housed individuals. People experiencing homelessness also have higher rates of mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders. HCH grantees recognize the complex needs of homeless persons and strive to provide a coordinated, comprehensive approach to health care, including substance abuse treatment and mental health services. Through advocacy, accessibility and cultural sensitivity, HCH programs are able to reach a vulnerable population that otherwise have very few options for health care.
Eligible Applicants:
State and local governments and private and non-profit organization are eligible to apply for funding.
Eligible Beneficiaries:
HCH is a major source of care for people experiencing homelessness in the United States and serves patients who live on the street, in shelters, or in transitional housing.
Funding Mechanism:
Funds are administered by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) within the Consolidated Health Center Program.
