The Upstate’s homeless who are too sick to stay in a regular shelter but not sick enough to be in a hospital will now have a safe place to rest, recover and receive medical support. New Horizon Family Health Services and Miracle Hill Ministries have partnered to open South Carolina’s first-ever in-shelter medical Respite Care Program. A press conference was held on January 22, 2019 at 10 a.m. at Miracle Hill Greenville Rescue Mission, located at 575 W. Washington St.
“The opening of this new Respite Care Center is a crucial piece of the continuum of care puzzle for the homeless in our community,” said Reid Lehman, President/CEO of Miracle Hill Ministries. In 2014, as a result of the “tent city” homeless crisis in Greenville, Upstate homeless providers identified and outlined in the Homelessness White Paper five gaps in the service network for the homeless. “We are thrilled to partner with New Horizon to fill one of these crucial service gaps,” he added.
The Respite Care Program, spearheaded by New Horizon Family Health Services, will is located inside Greenville Rescue Mission and provides six respite beds for homeless individuals who are identified as needing transitional medical support. New Horizon will operate the Program by providing clinical and other professional staff and oversight.
“This partnership allows New Horizon Family Health Services the opportunity to further serve some of the most vulnerable in our community by providing a safe place for homeless patients to receive medical attention and continue their recovery when they no longer require hospitalization,” said Regina M. Mitchell, New Horizon Family Health Services President and Chief Executive Officer.
New Horizon Family Health Services’ Health Care for the Homeless program works closely with Upstate homeless shelters and other health and human service organizations to serve over 2,000 patients in 13 counties using a 40-foot mobile medical unit at strategic collaborative partner agency locations. Services include primary care, dental services, mental health and substance abuse services and access to prescription medications. People experiencing homelessness may also receive services at New Horizon medical office locations in Greenville, Greer or Travelers Rest, as well as their dental office in downtown Greenville.