Homelessness

Our work in homelessness addresses the intersection of housing instability and health. We support innovative models that integrate housing and health services, strengthen care coordination, and advocate for policies that prevent homelessness, recognizing stable housing as essential for health among California’s most vulnerable populations.

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Street medicine practitioner visits with a client who is experiencing homelessness. Illustration created with Adobe Firefly
Knowledge Center

Homelessness & Health Care

Although the health system cannot fix every part of the homelessness crisis, there are important roles it can play. CHCF envisions a future where different systems work together effectively so people are housed and healthy.

Homelessness
Homeless tents line city streets in San Francisco. Homeless community creates a camp with all their suitcases, tents, sleeping bags and precious belongings.

People Experiencing Homelessness in California Almanac — 2024 Edition

Facts and Data
Illustration of people sitting on beds in a medical respite center

Medical Respite Care Bridges Critical Gap for Californians Without Housing

Homelessness

Making CalAIM Work for Older Adults Experiencing Homelessness

Older Adults
Medical practitioner reaches out to person experiencing homelesness.

Improving Medi-Cal Renewals for People Experiencing Homelessness

Homelessness

Subtopics

Recent Resources

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Four people standing in front of the Skid Row Care Campus in Los Angeles, a plave where people expriencing homelessness can get health care , find a place to rest, charge their phones, grab some food, or even get connected with housing.
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In a Nation Growing Hostile Toward Drugs and Homelessness, Los Angeles Tries Leniency

As they contend with a homeless population estimated around 75,000, LA County leaders embrace harm reduction, a range of more lenient strategies that can include helping people more safely use drugs.

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Feature Story
Mission Cabins sign at the Five Keys transitional housing location in San Francisco.
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California Counties, Private Agencies Aim for ‘Behavioral Health Transformation’ Enabled by Prop 1

Proposition 1 increased funding opportunities for housing interventions and other services.

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Expert Perspective
Man unpacking his clothing into a wardrobe in a simple room.
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A Home and Healing: How Medicaid Improves Health and Lowers Costs Among Members Experiencing Homelessness

States are using Medicaid to provide housing services for members experiencing homelessness, improving health outcomes and reducing costs through care management paired with housing assistance.

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Report
Margot Kushel, UCSF
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How Medi-Cal Is Tackling Homelessness Through Innovative Housing Solutions

Learn about the innovative housing solutions at the heart of Medi-Cal’s efforts to help Californians find permanent places to live.

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Behind the Headline

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Learn more about other topics we focus on.

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