Bridging the Gap: Mater's Collaborative Approach to Addressing Homelessness

Mater, in partnership with Micah Projects and Queensland Health, takes pride in introducing Homefront – an innovative service designed to provide essential support for homeless and at-risk patients, ensuring they have access to vital community support services upon discharge.

Homefront is a comprehensive outreach initiative aimed at easing the transition from acute care to community living. This service offers a well-rounded approach, encompassing clinical care, ongoing primary care, social support, and housing assistance to cater to the unique health and psychosocial needs of each individual.

Thanks to funding from Queensland Health, Homefront brings a dedicated social worker into Mater's Emergency Department to offer assistance to patients identified as homeless or at-risk during their presentation.

Claire Dunglison (pictured), the Homefront System Navigator from Mater at Home, highlights the program's benefits, emphasizing its contribution to improved patient outcomes through enhanced collaboration with healthcare and community providers.

"Our coordinated referral pathway, supported by effective discharge planning, empowers patients to actively engage with community-based services. This approach significantly reduces unnecessary hospital visits and the reliance on healthcare facilities within this vulnerable group," Ms. Dunglison explained.

Since its launch in January 2023 at Mater, Homefront has received an impressive 152 referrals.

Amidst the prevailing housing affordability crisis, many program participants find themselves grappling with homelessness, poverty, domestic violence, social isolation, or challenging family circumstances.

Contrary to common perception, most homelessness cases are not evident through rough sleeping; instead, individuals may be in crisis accommodation, insecure housing, overcrowded living situations, or even couch surfing. Startlingly, only 6.2 percent of individuals without a home are seen sleeping on the streets.

Homelessness brings about a heightened susceptibility to various health issues, ranging from chronic illnesses and mental health concerns to disability, trauma, substance abuse, musculoskeletal disorders, and infectious diseases. Paradoxically, these very health issues can propel someone into homelessness.

"Homefront plays a pivotal role in establishing a dependable point of contact for vulnerable patients, ensuring they receive the necessary support post-hospitalization," Ms. Dunglison stated.

"Our aim is to equip them for a successful transition, leading to improved health and psychosocial outcomes. Ultimately, we want to reduce their reliance on emergency services and alleviate the strain on the healthcare system."

Saad Farooqui, the Health & Services Integration Cluster Lead at Micah Projects, underscores the program's success, attributing it to the proactive collaboration among stakeholders.

"The success of the program's implementation lies in the dedication of our proactive nursing and support staff at Micah Projects, along with the committed social worker from Mater," Mr. Farooqui noted.

"In close consultation with Mater, we've developed a person-centered care model to cater to participants needing healthcare, housing, and psychosocial support in the community."

Through these essential health and social connections within the community, this program is aimed at reducing the dependence on Mater Hospital's Emergency Department.

#HomelessnessWeek2023 #HW2023