Off The Streets is a last-resort, low-barrier shelter where people can sleep at night. It allows guests to take care of basic hygiene needs and get information about services from partner organizations — like Healthcare for the Homeless.
Healthcare for the Homeless this year has served 768 unique patients who made a total of 2,191 visits to our clinics. We provide primary medical care and treatment for chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. We also treat acute illness and symptoms of COVID-19.
The Healthcare for the Homeless team offers counseling for mental health and addictions. We have a care manager who helps individuals navigate the system and apply for housing and other services.
On this 30th year for Homeless Persons Memorial Day, let’s resolve to support community efforts to end homelessness by meeting needs for affordable housing, employment opportunities and health care. Let us not forget that people have died in Billings without stable housing and others still struggle to live on our streets.
Crystal Friedrich, RN, BSN, program manager for RiverStone Healthcare for the Homeless, can be reached at 651-6575.