Indiana Health Centers, Inc.’s Post

MYTH: Affordable housing alone will solve homelessness. REALITY: While increased access to affordable housing is crucial, it's only part of the solution. Many individuals facing homelessness require additional support to maintain stable housing and reintegrate into community life. Comprehensive approaches addressing underlying issues are essential for long-term success. 1. Mental health and substance abuse treatment:   - Many individuals experiencing homelessness struggle with mental illness or substance abuse disorders   - Providing accessible, long-term treatment options is essential   - This may include outpatient programs, counseling, and medication management 2. Job training and employment assistance:   - Helping individuals develop marketable skills   - Providing job placement services and interview preparation   - Partnering with local businesses to create employment opportunities 3. Life skills education:   - Teaching budgeting and financial management   - Providing classes on nutrition, cooking, and household maintenance   - Offering guidance on navigating social services and healthcare systems 4. Case management and ongoing support:   - Assigning social workers or case managers to provide individualized assistance   - Regular check-ins to address emerging issues and celebrate progress   - Connecting individuals with community resources and support networks 5. Legal aid:   - Helping resolve outstanding legal issues that may hinder housing or employment   - Assistance with obtaining identification documents and benefits 6. Healthcare access:   - Ensuring access to primary care, dental care, and specialized medical services   - Addressing chronic health conditions that may have gone untreated 7. Family reunification services:   - When appropriate, helping individuals reconnect with family members   - Providing mediation and counseling to rebuild relationships 8. Community integration programs:   - Creating opportunities for social engagement and relationship building   - Encouraging participation in local events and volunteer activities 9. Trauma-informed care:   - Recognizing and addressing the impact of past trauma on individuals   - Training service providers in trauma-sensitive approaches 10. Prevention programs:   - Identifying and supporting at-risk individuals before they become homeless   - Providing emergency assistance for rent, utilities, or other critical needs 11. Supportive housing models:   - Combining affordable housing with on-site services and support   - Creating a stable environment for individuals with complex needs Let’s end homelessness together, now and for good. Join the movement. http://secondgrace.la #HousingForAll #CompassionInAction #CommunitySupport #HomesNotStreets #TogetherWeCan #SafeShelter #BuildCommunities #EndPovertyNow #HomesForEveryone #CommunityCare

There is a vicious cycle tied to homelessness and health outcomes. Poor health often causes homelessness, and experiencing chronic homelessness can lead to new health conditions or worsen existing ones. While the growing challenge of reducing homelessness needs to be addressed at the policy level, there are things we can do to better support those impacted. https://uhc.care/9hyx5o

What is PSH, exactly, why is it needed, and what are the specific benefits for the vulnerable population we serve at Women's Lunch Place? The latest edition of our biannual Educational Newsletter focuses on Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH): https://lnkd.in/gFHwhqJT In the PSH model, people are given affordable or subsidized housing with supportive services designed to keep them stable in their homes. These services “connect people with community-based health care, treatment, and employment.”    In an examination of twenty-six studies in the U.S. and Canada, PSH programs decreased homelessness by 88% and improved housing stability by 41% when compared to programs that required treatment before providing housing.   Research has found that 20% of women who experience violence become homeless, compared with just 1 percent of women who have not experienced violence.    To help reduce the risks of substance use disorders and their documented connections to sex trafficking and violence, programs for homeless women should focus on substance use disorder treatment and intensive case management.   We need homelessness services specifically for women that understand and address trauma. Research shows a desperate need to expand these female-only homelessness services. The Boston Foundation National Low Income Housing Coalition Boston Medical Center (BMC) The Lancet

Housing is Healthcare Data sharing initiatives with measureable benchmarks and cross-sector partnerships, like Kaiser Permanente and Community Solutions, Inc., exemplify a progressive path forward in addressing the complexities of health disparities and homelessness. Without a place to call home, individuals are at a significantly higher risk of chronic illnesses, mental health disorders, and substance use challenges, thereby increasing their reliance on emergency services. This reality underscores the assertion that housing is not just a basic human need but a critical component of healthcare itself. Local and state governments should continue to invest in data driven housing solutions that embrace cross-sector partnerships. By fostering collaborations between healthcare providers, housing agencies, and community organizations, we can create a seamless network of support and begin to close the gaps within our current social infrastructure. #Healthcare #Homelessness #populationhealth #Housing

Doing some research on recovery and homelessness, came across this guidance Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Health Care for Homeless People. Although it is from 1988, the same challenges for delivering healthcare to this population exist today. Especially when dealing with transitional or outpatient related care for addiction recovery. When I spoke to people at our center or through our outreach, these were common issues: 1. It takes drugs to get off drugs…it is the recommended way to start the recovery process even for alcohol or nicotine 2. If you get clean in jail or a facility and you don’t have access to those drugs, you are at a higher risk of relapse 3. It is hard to keep up with your medications on the street due to theft, lack of suitable storage or refrigeration, loss from camp sweeps What struck me are the solutions identified. In summary, communication, collaboration, targeted approach, and internal and external resources. Communication and collaboration are crucial to delivering value especially when no one organization is the one stop shop to solving addiction or homelessness. It takes many organizations working together. However, we are not always incentivized to do go outside of our financial scope or organizational boxes to reach out to others. At Be a Light Mission Service Center, Inc , we could not offer the help we provide to people in need without partnerships (collaboration) and lots of breaking information silos (communication). It is a really good read to understand the challenges and some tips for #addictionrecovery and #healthcare for people experiencing #homelessness Health Care Services for Homeless People. Available from: https://lnkd.in/eu4rZxMT

VA Cuts Homelessness, SDOH by 55% with Housing First Model - Patient Engagement HIT #VA Cuts Homelessness, SDOH by 55% with Housing First Model The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has successfully reduced homelessness and addressed social determinants of health (SDOH) by 55% using the Housing First model. This model prioritizes providing stable housing to individuals experiencing homelessness before addressing other needs. #The Housing First Model The Housing First model focuses on providing immediate access to permanent housing for individuals experiencing homelessness, without requiring them to meet certain criteria or complete treatment programs first. This approach recognizes that stable housing is a fundamental need and a key factor in improving overall health outcomes. #Benefits of the Housing First Model By implementing the Housing First model, the VA has seen significant improvements in addressing homelessness and S ai.mediformatica.com #health #homelene #healthcare #management #model #casemanagement #acce #engagement #healthcareindustry #sdoh #administration #clinical #digitalhealth #healthit #healthtech #healthcaretechnology @MediFormatica (https://buff.ly/42kZr8I)

This month, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), the Office to Prevent and End Homelessness, and the University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health released a Homelessness Mortality and Morbidity Report which outlines the data on our homeless population in Illinois between 2017 and 2022. We know that when people have access to affordable, equitable, and safe home environments, they will have better physical and mental health. The significance of this report from the Department emphasizes the health risks of people experiencing homelessness in Illinois. Some key findings from between 2017 to 2022 include: 🔘 10,000 people experiencing “literal homelessness” meaning individuals who are living in shelters, on the street, or a place not meant for human habitation 🔘 A total of 2,520 deaths involving people experiencing homelessness with a majority of these fatalities taking place in urban counties 🔘 Disproportionate deaths due to drug related overdoses, traumatic injuries, and excessive cold compared to the general population 🔘 Higher signs of social isolation relative to the general population These are heartbreaking statistics that signifies that more work has to be done by the state to provide the life saving health services, housing programs, and reemployment opportunities to people experiencing homelessness across the State of Illinois. As Chair of the Senate Public Health Committee, this is a subject that needs to be addressed, and I applaud the Department and all those who worked on this report to ensure that advocates and practitioners across Illinois continue to work to uplift those in need. If you are a social service agency, a nonprofit, or a staffer in an elected official’s office I implore you all to review the report. Read the Executive Summary or Full Report here: https://lnkd.in/g5BT7XWy

Excellent article in Health Affairs on Homelessness and Health. There are many programs subsidizing and providing funds for housing, so why is housing an ongoing problem? It clearly is. This article provides one viewpoint. I am interested in hearing from our housing advocates and housing resources if this article fits with their on the ground experiences. Kelly Matter from Avivo your perspective would be especially helpful.

L.A. Care Health Plan is taking proactive steps to address the homelessness crisis in Los Angeles County. With over 75,000 homeless individuals, the county faces a substantial challenge. The health plan is deploying social workers to temporary housing locations to connect individuals with necessary care and support services. By partnering with local government agencies and organizations, L.A. Care aims to increase the number of homeless individuals enrolled in Medi-Cal and connected to enhanced care management programs. While challenges remain, including the vast geographic area and difficulty in engaging with a highly vulnerable population, L.A. Care's initiative represents a significant step towards addressing the complex issue of homelessness through a healthcare-focused approach. Learn more: https://hubs.ly/Q02K6yvs0

In a recent report, SCAN Health Plan provided a detailed overview of how their innovative care models and engagement strategies with the Medicare population, in collaboration with community partnerships, effectively combat the rising rates of homelessness among seniors. The report showcased the various initiatives undertaken by the health plan, such as preventive care measures, community partnerships, and targeted interventions, that have contributed to the significant reduction in homeless seniors. #medicare #cms #hcsm #homelessness