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.
Ensuring Access
Among the homeless population, veterans endure higher rates of chronic diseases, mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and trauma than those without veteran status. More than half of veterans experiencing homelessness have disabilities. While VA benefits are available to some, many cannot access these benefits, either because they are ineligible or need assistance to do so.
These barriers make high-quality care even more urgent for veterans experiencing homelessness–care that BHCHP has made accessible and provided for years. Our street outreach programs provide care directly to veterans sleeping on the streets and connect them to clinic-based care. At clinics, care is available on a walk-in or scheduled basis; can include social support like transportation stipends, to ensure a patient’s ability to make their next visit; and is patient-centered, trauma-informed, and relationship-based, eliminating mistrust as a barrier to care.
Starting with an initial medical intake, our medical team engages every veteran and partners with them to identify their needs and ensure they have the necessary supports to meet their ongoing chronic and urgent health challenges.
