
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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In Boston, an estimated 250 veterans experience homelessness on any given night—among some 33,000 veterans nationwide who sleep on the streets or in shelters. Studies have shown that veterans face a greater risk of homelessness than those who have not served in the military. Many Veterans carry physical and emotional scars from their time of service; resulting mental health conditions, substance use disorders, disabilities, and poverty are among the complex reasons that veterans end up on the street, often unable to access VA benefits.
In response, BHCHP offers compassionate, trauma-informed care to veterans across our street outreach programs and more than 30 clinics, including one based at the New England Center and Home for Veterans (NECHV). Our integrated care teams support hundreds of veterans experiencing homelessness each year, helping them access dignified health care, benefits, and a path to housing.
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.
At our NECHV clinic, our flagship clinic at Jean Yawkey Place, and our shelter-based clinics across the city, patients can access a range of health care services including primary care, urgent care, behavioral health, and addiction treatment. We offer primary health care including support in managing chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, and hypertension. Veterans have a higher risk of developing a hepatitis C infection; in response, our clinic offers hepatitis C screenings and onsite treatment. Substance use disorders are also prevalent among veterans experiencing homelessness. To address this issue, we provide treatment onsite at our NECHV clinic, including medication treatments and behavioral health supports.
As our team responds to the veterans’ health needs, we work to engage patients in essential preventative health services such as dental care and optometry that, if neglected, could lead to complications over time. We also provide a pathway to our 104-bed medical respite facility, Barbara McInnis House, should patients need round-the-clock care. Our team helps veterans access health insurance and benefits and offers support as they navigate the shelter system and work towards obtaining stable housing.
With our clinic on-site at the NECHV, we work in close partnership with NECHV’s staff. We integrate our health services with other supports from NECHV, including case management, to ensure comprehensive care to veterans. Whether responding a crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic or the daily needs of our veterans, this collaborative care and partnership serves as a local and national model for the delivery of holistic care to veterans experiencing homelessness and other unjustly marginalized groups.
“Veterans often carry the visible and invisible scars of their service. It is our privilege to provide veteran-centered, trauma-informed care to meet the ongoing health needs of veterans experiencing homelessness. Providing holistic care across BHCHP and in partnership with NECHV, it is our privilege to serve those who served us.”
Dr. Geren Stone, BHCHP physician
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.