When homeless patients leave the hospital, many have nowhere safe to recover. The Respite of Hope program works to change that.
Madison Goske and Jeanne McKinna discuss the Respite of Hope program, a partnership between Catholic Charities Regional Agency and Meridian HealthCare that provides temporary housing, medical care and support services for individuals experiencing homelessness after being discharged from local hospitals.
Goske says the program accepts referrals from area hospitals and helps participants recover in a safe environment while addressing long-term needs such as housing, employment and access to community resources. After completing an assessment, case managers work to place participants on housing waiting lists and connect them with services that support long-term stability.
McKinna says patients in the program receive access to primary care, medical treatment and behavioral health services through Meridian. Individuals with substance use disorders can also access detox, residential treatment and outpatient recovery programs based on their specific needs.
The program serves individuals recovering from conditions such as COPD, minor surgeries and other medical issues who would otherwise be discharged without a safe place to heal. While Meridian provides medical support, Catholic Charities focuses on securing housing and connecting clients with community resources.
Both organizations say the goal is to provide a bridge between hospital care and long-term stability, helping vulnerable residents recover safely while working toward permanent housing and improved health outcomes.