Homelessness – A Note to Our Colleagues

Colleagues,

 

Last year WellSpace Health provided care and support to more than 3,000 people who were experiencing homelessness. This year we are on track to serve even more as our programs and services have grown.

 

While people experiencing homelessness are a small percentage of our overall work, it fills me with pride to know that we show our compassion for those who are forgotten, ignored, or worse – abused.

 

Unlike so many others, we see them and are here for them.

 

We have nurses who meet patients where they are, on the street, to provide care on their terms. We have case managers who work with people one-on-one to help them get well and improve their lives. We have two Interim Care Programs that help people without a home transition out of the hospital safely and with dignity. We have these programs, in addition to the thousands of visits with our primary care and behavioral health teams.

 

We provide this care in the face of a growing crisis. Over the past two years the number of people experiencing homelessness has increased by 19% in Sacramento. While this increase is on par with the rest of the state, it is unacceptable and it will take everything we have to turn it around.

 

I know that I can count on you, my colleagues, to help in our effort by continuing to provide compassionate care to everyone, including those who are experiencing homelessness. Thank you.

 

Be well,
Jonathan

 

Dr. Porteus has served as the Chief Executive Officer of WellSpace Health since 2009 and as the Clinical Director since 2002. Prior to that he was a distinguished and accomplished clinician, researcher, and professor. WellSpace Health is a Federally Qualified Health Center  that believes everyone deserves to be seen, no matter who you are, where you come from, where you work or what place you call home. At WellSpace Health, we see you.