New York City-based Montefiore Health System's Housing at Risk Program has led to a 45% decrease in emergency department visits for unstably housed people since its inception in 2009.
Unstable housing — whether it be moving from shelter to shelter or struggling to pay rent — is the biggest obstacle regarding Bronx residents' well-being, according to an Aug. 14 news release from the health system. The program focuses on preventing evictions, securing safe, affordable housing, and coordinating care.
Outcomes from the program include assisting more than 1,000 individuals, obtaining permanent housing for 65 individuals and preventing almost 40 evictions. The program also helped to decrease hospital inpatient visits by 60% for those who are unstably housed, the release said.
The Bronx includes five of the 10 communities in New York City with the highest rates of family homelessness, according to the release.
Montefiore Health System is a 10-hospital system with more than 200 outpatient ambulatory care centers.