Addressing Housing Needs to Improve Health Care

Homelessness is a hidden but real issue in Chittenden County, VT. University of Vermont Medical Center, based in Burlington, is collaborating with several community organizations to provide housing and improve health care to homeless individuals and families. A recent community health needs assessment conducted by UVM Medical Center—with “extensive” community input—identified affordable housing as one of 10 priorities. In October 2015, UVM Medical Center and community partners worked to permanently house 32 chronically homeless people with the highest health risks. The partners, including the Champlain Housing Trust, Community Health Centers of Burlington and United Way, also have provided short-term and permanent supportive housing for homeless people. The work by the medical center to provide housing for vulnerable patients, including more than 50 since 2013 in permanent, affordable, supportive housing, has resulted in improved health and considerable health care savings.

For more information, contact Jason Williams, senior government relations strategist, at Jason.Williams@uvmhealth.org, and view a recent blog and video about UVM Medical Center's work and collaboration with community partners.