Patients Experiencing Homelessness

Homelessness in California has reached an emergency level with more than 170,000 people in crisis. Hospitals are on the front lines as teams of social workers, case managers, nurses, doctors, and others work to care for, and safely discharge, patients experiencing homelessness. Hospitals are addressing complex social needs with food, clothing, medication, connections to community services, and more. Just as the reasons for homelessness are multi-faceted, it’s critical that others support and care for these individuals. Elected officials, the business community, nonprofits, and social service organizations all must help address the crisis.