Homeless Healthcare Program

Nurse practitioners provide referrals to:

• Adult/family/domestic violence shelters for those who are unsheltered
• Permanent supportive housing, housing vouchers
• Food resources including SNAP, drop-in centers, food pantries
• Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), Medicaid, Medicare, Veterans Affairs
• Eye care
• Community Services Board (CSB), detox, crisis care, jail diversion
• Shelter or outreach case management (getting an ID, Medicaid cellphone, housing, etc.)

Homeless Healthcare Program partners include:

• Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (OPEH)
• Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB)
• Department of Family Services (DFS)
• Veterans Affairs (VA)
• Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
• Genoa Healthcare
• NovaSalud
• FACETS
• Non-profit organizations

Medical Respite Program

The Medical Respite Program provides a safe place for individuals, 18 years of age and older, who are experiencing homeless to recover or become stabilized from an acute medical event, such as a leg fracture, surgery, or stroke. Nurse practitioners are available approximately 8 hours a week to provide medications, dressing changes, oxygen and other medical care.

This program operates out of two shelters in Fairfax County: Embry Rucker Community Shelter and Bailey's Crossroads Community Shelter.

Most referrals to this program come from the hospitals or social workers assisting individuals experiencing homelessness with an acute medical condition. Referrals should be sent via fax to 703-653-6640.

Many patients come with additional chronic medical conditions and medications. The Medical Respite team will help manage these conditions in coordination with their primary care provider. Patients are expected to have the capacity to understand and accept responsibility over their own medical health care management. The program requires patients not be so impaired as to pose a risk to self or others. Patients must be able to perform all activities of their daily living independently or with the use of mechanical devices.

There is no charge to the patient. The Medical Respite Program can provide reasonably priced medications, transportation to and from doctor visits, and enrollment into an FQHC. Since the programs are in existing shelters, a bed, meals, and case management are provided as well.