This toolkit highlights the important role of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in supporting people without stable housing. Despite years of policy efforts, homelessness remains a major challenge in the U.S., with unhoused individuals facing serious health issues and barriers to basic needs like housing, food, and safety. Many CHWs have personal experience with homelessness, … [Read more...] about CHWs Serving People Experiencing Homelessness
Homelessness
Maternal Continuum of Care among Homeless Women: Does Community Health Workers and Non-Government Organisation Involvements Matter?
This study explored maternal healthcare access among homeless women in Kolkata, India, revealing that only 25% used complete maternal care services. Support from Community Health Workers (CHWs) and NGOs significantly improved access, especially when both were involved. However, utilization varied based on factors like migration status and antenatal health. The study calls for … [Read more...] about Maternal Continuum of Care among Homeless Women: Does Community Health Workers and Non-Government Organisation Involvements Matter?
Bridges to Elders: A Program to Improve Outcomes for Older Women Experiencing Homelessness
The Bridges to Elders (BTE) program aimed to improve health and social outcomes for older homeless women. Using a pretest/posttest design, the program showed significant improvements in stable housing, primary care enrollment, and control of chronic conditions among participants. The collaboration between nurse practitioners and community health workers proved effective in … [Read more...] about Bridges to Elders: A Program to Improve Outcomes for Older Women Experiencing Homelessness
Community-informed interventions to address cervical cancer disparities among people experiencing homelessness
Cervical cancer rates are much higher among people experiencing homelessness (PEH) than the general population, but screening options for them are limited. Many homeless women face additional barriers like sexual trauma, which make them uncomfortable with traditional screenings like Pap tests. This study surveyed 167 homeless individuals in Indiana to understand the barriers to … [Read more...] about Community-informed interventions to address cervical cancer disparities among people experiencing homelessness
Pilot randomized controlled trial of biofeedback on reducing psychological and physiological stress among persons experiencing homelessness
This study tested a heart rate variability-biofeedback (HRV-BF) intervention against a health promotion (HP) program to improve mental health in homeless adults in Los Angeles. Forty participants were divided into two groups, receiving eight weekly sessions over two months, delivered by a nurse-led team of community health workers (CHWs). Both interventions improved heart rate … [Read more...] about Pilot randomized controlled trial of biofeedback on reducing psychological and physiological stress among persons experiencing homelessness