What We Do

Health Care for the Homeless (HCH) is a program of the Alameda County Health Care Services Agency. We coordinate a network of health centers and community based organizations to increase access and improve care for people experiencing homelessness in Alameda County. We work closely with our contractors and other partners to strengthen services, and in some cases HCH staff directly provides care alongside staff from contracting organizations.

Services

Since 1988, HCH has provided health care and case management services to persons experiencing homelessness throughout Alameda County. Current services include comprehensive primary care with integrated behavioral health at five sites throughout Alameda County, urgent care at shelters and on the streets, substance use treatment, dental care, and case management. In 2015, HCH provided 35,374 medical and social support service encounters to 9,301 people experiencing homelessness throughout Alameda County.

Policy Research and Education

HCH researches key policy issues and educates community members and policymakers. Policy analysis is rooted in direct service experience, and informed by the perspectives and involvement of our clients, staff, Board members and community partners. HCH supports equity in health care and housing through our Community/Consumer Advisory Board, involvement in County and statewide initiatives including coordination and prioritization of permanent supportive housing, and through energetic participation in the National Health Care for the Homeless Council.loo

"I was lost for three years. I had experienced something really traumatizing. Two months ago, I got introduced to these folks here. Something told me I could give this a chance. They showed me it could be OK."
    -- Jerry, Trust Health Center client