National Health Care for the Homeless Council (NHCHC)

Mission:
The National Health Care for the Homeless Council (NHCHC) is dedicated to eliminating homelessness by ensuring comprehensive health care and secure housing for all. The organization serves as a national voice and resource for organizations and individuals working to improve the health of people experiencing homelessness.

Services and Programs:

• Training & Technical Assistance: NHCHC provides extensive training, technical assistance, and educational resources to health care providers, advocates, and organizations serving people experiencing homelessness.
• Policy & Advocacy: The Council engages in policy analysis, advocacy, and coalition-building to advance policies that improve health care access and housing stability for homeless populations.
• Clinical Practice Resources: NHCHC offers clinical guidance, best practices, and publications for clinicians working with homeless individuals, including resources on diseases, conditions, and trauma-informed care.
• Medical Respite Care: Through the National Institute for Medical Respite Care (NIMRC), NHCHC supports the development and certification of medical respite programs, which provide short-term residential care for people experiencing homelessness who are too ill or frail to recover on the streets but not ill enough to remain in a hospital.
• Research & Implementation: The Council conducts and disseminates research on homelessness and health care, collaborating with partners to improve service delivery and outcomes.
• Consumer Engagement: NHCHC promotes the involvement of people with lived experience of homelessness in governance and program development, including through the National Consumer Advisory Board (NCAB).
• Resource Libraries: The organization maintains comprehensive resource libraries, toolkits, and online learning portals for providers and advocates.

Who They Serve:

NHCHC serves health care providers, advocates, policymakers, and organizations across the United States, including those in Virginia and the Louisa County region, who work with individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The Council’s resources and programs are accessible to organizations and professionals serving Louisa County residents.

Eligibility:

Eligibility for direct services is determined by local Health Care for the Homeless (HCH) grantees and medical respite programs. NHCHC itself provides support, resources, and advocacy for organizations and professionals serving homeless populations.

Service Area:

NHCHC operates nationally, supporting organizations and providers in all states, including Virginia and the Louisa County area. Its directories and technical assistance are available to any qualifying provider or organization.