
Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program receives HHS funding and has Federal PHS deemed status with respect to certain health or health-related claims, including medical malpractice claims, for itself and its covered individuals.
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Families make up 2/3 of the homeless population in Massachusetts. Most are headed by single mothers with histories of trauma, including some 82% of families in BHCHP’s care, and face immense barriers to accessing health care. The injustice of poverty and homelessness often force families to put their money toward essentials like food and bus fares before even considering medical care—putting parents’ and children’s health and wellbeing at long-term risk.
Unaccompanied youth also experience homelessness at alarming rates. A 2015-2016 national survey found that one in 10 young adults (ages 18-25) had been homeless within the last year. These experiences are often linked to substance use disorder, behavioral health problems, and trauma. LGBTQ+ youth are disproportionately affected.
Since 1985, BHCHP has delivered multilingual, trauma-informed care to youth and families, serving as the primary health care presence in family and domestic violence shelters, hotels, and motels across Boston. From urgent care to well-child visits to case management—and from publishing research in medical journals to op-eds in major news outlets—our mission is simple: to serve as compassionate caregivers and fierce advocates working to break the cycle of homelessness and restore families’ health.
The typical mother in our care is in her late 20s with two children under six. She is likely to have a history of severe physical, emotional, and sexual trauma, which may contribute to depression, substance use disorder, and PTSD, among other conditions. Her children are likely to have high rates of respiratory and ear infections, among other health issues. But systemic barriers–such as a lack of food, transportation, and essentials like strollers and car seats–prevent her from accessing health care.
BHCHP is determined to change that. Our Family Team delivers high-quality, multilingual care to parents, children, and unaccompanied youth across Boston. That care is provided in person and via telehealth in a variety of settings, including family and domestic violence shelters, medical vans, and on the street. We also now deliver care at our flagship Family Health Clinic at Horizons for Homeless Children in Roxbury, where we accept walk-in and scheduled appointments. Language barriers, lack of transportation, and unpredictable schedules are no longer obstacles to parents, children, and young people obtaining the care they need.
Our Family Team offers a range of youth and family services to meet a growing need. We provide primary and urgent medical care, including family planning, gender affirming care, and hepatitis C treatment. We offer treatment for substance use disorders and behavioral health care, including therapy, support groups, and medication. We also provide health education on topics such as nutrition and smoking cessation. As patients navigate a complex health and social welfare system, we stay by their side each step of the way, providing case management and advocacy to help them apply for health insurance and other benefits, access essentials like diapers and clothing, and navigate state agencies such as the Department of Children & Families.
Our decades of work providing youth and family services has made us a trusted source of data and insights in this clinical area, extending our impact far beyond our patients and programs. Our research has been published by the American Journal of Public Health, Journal of Social Distress and Homelessness, Public Health Reports, and Substance Use & Misuse. This growing body of evidence not only highlights the success of our programs but also offers a model for health care providers, case workers, and others caring for families and youth experiencing homelessness. Staff op-eds have also been featured in outlets such as WBUR and The Washington Post, highlighting the expertise of our clinicians and staff.
The dignity and respect that both my daughter and I received is beyond words. Going through a homeless experience after having it all is a huge eye opener. One that changes your life forever. I would have not been able to do it if it wasn’t for the support we received from Boston Health Care for the Homeless. The staff were always so caring and loving to us. Talking to them for a few minutes took me away from my crisis at the moment. They didn’t just offer medical attention; they also held my hand and validated my feelings. Something that gets lost in the midst of being homeless is validation of your emotions. I will forever be grateful to them.
Claudia, Patient
The best way to make an appointment is to call our main number at 857-654-1600. This phone line is answered Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm.
Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program receives HHS funding and has Federal PHS deemed status with respect to certain health or health-related claims, including medical malpractice claims, for itself and its covered individuals.