OVERVIEW
People experiencing homelessness face devastating physical and mental health consequences. They have higher rates of chronic illness and a life expectancy that is an average of 28 years shorter than people who are housed. These individuals also face high barriers to accessing critical healthcare and often delay seeking treatment. Best practices in engaging this population in healthcare suggest that services must be low-barrier and highly coordinated with other community entities. Preble Street and our healthcare partners work collaboratively to ensure that our most vulnerable neighbors receive the care they need when they need it most.
Preble Street Health Services collaborates with Maine Medical Center and Greater Portland Health to provide care for clients. Our staff provide intensive case management to patients through the MH-Preble Street Learning Collaborative, H.O.U.S.E, and new recuperative care services and help connect them to shelter, housing, clothing, and other resources to help them work toward goals.
The MH-PSLC serves as the “hook and hub” location for low-barrier and barrier free access to health services, care-coordination services and education.
Preble Street and Greater Portland Health launched the Homeless Opioid User Service Engagement (H.O.U.S.E.) to best meet the needs of people experiencing both unsheltered homelessness and opioid use disorder.
Greater Portland Health, Maine Medical Center, and Preble Street launched Maine’s first recuperative care program in September 2022 to provide a safe place for patients experiencing homelessness to recover after hospital stays.
hEALTH PARTNERS
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please call 207-661-4701.
