XULA 2026 | 02.01.08 - Tamika Culver

Описание: Abstract #02.01.08 — Bridging Gaps in Unhoused Healthcare

Author(s) :: C Chambers, T Culver and A. Ritchie

Author(s) Affiliation(s) :: Delaware State University

Purpose
Unhoused individuals experience significant health disparities stemming from limited access to care, structural inequities, and unmet social determinants of health (SDOH). This proposal summarizes evidence-based strategies that support engagement in healthcare settings and explores secondary data from a student-led clinic serving unhoused adults to highlight multidisciplinary approaches that improve continuity of care, trust, and health outcomes.

Methodology
A structured literature review was conducted examining interventions for unhoused populations. Publicly available clinical data were also analyzed from a student-led clinic embedded in Open Gate Homeless Ministries, which offers primary care services twice monthly.

Results
Clinic findings showed that 46.6% of unhoused patients declined care or left before treatment. Substance use was highest among individuals aged 18–29. SDOH challenges were prevalent, with 36.1% reporting housing insecurity and 13% reporting multiple unmet SDOH needs. Minority patients were more likely to receive “unremarkable/normal” diagnoses, while White patients frequently presented with musculoskeletal or pain-related issues. Men more often received prescriptions, whereas women were more frequently referred for additional care. Literature findings supported trauma-informed care, low-barrier access, peer-led supports, and integrated services as effective strategies for increasing engagement.

Conclusion
Evidence emphasizes the need for flexible, trauma-informed, and trust-building approaches when engaging unhoused individuals. Student-run clinics, mobile outreach, and medical respite programs demonstrate improved access and stabilization. For multidisciplinary professionals and community partners, strengthening engagement requires addressing SDOH, reducing structural barriers, and promoting culturally responsive practices. These strategies foster sustainable, equitable systems of care for unhoused populations. Practitioners, leaders, and policymakers should expand low-barrier community-based services, enhance collaboration, and support trauma-informed and equity-focused care models to build equitable systems that meet the complex needs of unhoused populations.

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