Phoenix CDS Adds Healthcare to Homeless Outreach Services

Phoenix CDS was awarded a $50,000 grant from Telligen Community Initiative (TCI), an Iowa-based private charitable foundation for the Community Healthcare Homeless Outreach program.  The goal of this project is to improve the overall health of the homeless population in our area by connecting homeless individuals to primary care providers, facilitating enrollment in Medicaid and other public benefits, and coordinating care through ongoing outreach activities.

Phoenix CDS CEO Christine Kahl shares, “The addition of healthcare services is a fantastic enhancement to our Homeless Outreach program.  This project fulfills an unmet need and has the capacity to greatly improve the well-being and quality of life for a population that has a very high risk for many health issues.”  Phoenix CDS operates the only Homeless Outreach program in the area.  The purpose of the program is to reach out to the homeless population where they congregate – both on the street and at other points of access, such as shelters, meal programs, and faith-based support programs.   The goal is to help the homeless families and individuals find safe housing, meet daily living needs, and access the care and services that can improve their lives.

The Community Healthcare Homeless Outreach project was one of only 13 grants within the state selected for TCI’s 2016 Illinois funding.  TCI received more than 141 grant requests for the Illinois-based grant cycle, awarding a cumulative total of $536,540 to 13 organizations.  “Our backing of this project is an extension of our priority to improve health care for individuals and families where access is a challenge,” said Matt McGarvey, executive director of Telligen Community Initiative. “We strongly support the work of South Side Office of Concern (now Phoenix CDS) to improve the health and well-being of those who are homeless, or who have experienced it.”