Spotlight on the Center for Respite Care’s unique services
How you can help as we close out Annual Campaign 2023-24
Where the Center fits in:
There is much written and said about the current status of people experiencing homelessness. While regionally there are a host of providers and services for people experiencing homelessness — the services provided by the Center for Respite Care are unique and our mission is often misunderstood.
We are the ONLY organization — in Hamilton County — that provides medical care and case management services for people who are without homes, ill, and have nowhere else to recover after a stay in the hospital or other medical facility.
Our team cares for our clients to ensure they have a safe, secure environment upon discharge from the Center. We obtain stable placement for them based on their unique physical, social, and mental health needs.
Clients stay with us for about 5,500 bed nights annually. This means that we truly get to know them and remain connected once they discharge from the Center.
From the National Alliance to End Homelessness:
“People experiencing homelessness often live with chronic health conditions that can be exacerbated by mental health and/or substance use disorders. Many do not receive regular healthcare, and when they access healthcare, it usually is to address an acute care incident which results in frequent emergency department visits.
When people experiencing homelessness require hospitalization, they may have longer hospital stays even though they are not sick enough to remain hospitalized. This can occur because discharge planners, aware that the individual lacks safe, stable housing to recover and maintain follow-up care, are looking for options to ensure continuity of care and transition the patient to the most appropriate setting. Sometimes, the only option is to discharge the individual to emergency shelters, which are historically not resourced or equipped to provide the needed care support. This is where medical respite programs come in.”
In this geographic region, this is where the Center comes in.
What is in the news?
“Homelessness in America spiked last year, reaching a record high, according to an annual count that provides a snapshot of one night in January. The report, released today by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, found more than 650,000 people were living in shelters or outside in tents or cars. That’s up a whopping 12% from the year before.
This year’s big jump was driven by people who lost housing for the first time, which Biden administration officials say reflects the sharp rise in rent. The largest increase was among families, and the count also found a significant rise among Hispanics. Nearly 40% of the unhoused are Black or African American, and a quarter are seniors. The annual count does not include the many people who couch surf with friends or family, and who may be at high risk of ending up on the street.” (NPR, December 2023)
The factors outlined by NPR are likely to continue to rise — which makes the work that we do matter even more. Our service is available due to the generosity of our community.
How can you help?
The Center is closing out our annual campaign. We are not part of the United Way and rely upon individual contributions, grants, and some government funding. Please consider a donation via this website. We also readily accept volunteerism, goods, and services (food delivery, clothing items, etc.) thank you for your consideration.
2024 starts our 21st year serving people experiencing homelessness and need a safe place to heal. We are proud of our team and the care and guidance that we have provided for over two decades. You make the mission possible!
