Utilizing a harm reduction approach in outreach work

In an atmosphere of dwindling resources, outreach workers are challenged to allocate resources to broaden clients' networks of support and provide linkage to remaining services. When working with such limited housing resources, offering clients options, information, tools, and additional support becomes a critical way of maintaining hope, engagement, and stability until housing becomes available. The flexibility to literally meet clients where they are at enhances opportunities for engagement with healthcare treatment and case management support. Our agency utilizes a harm reduction and trauma informed approach across programs . This institutionalized support bolsters our efforts to work with the most disconnected and most vulnerable of the homeless population, including those who are actively engaged in high risk behaviors. We are connected to a Healthcare for the Homeless site that offers a broad spectrum of primary care and mental health services. As health care reform moves toward a more integrated approach to service delivery with the use of Coordinated Care Entities, service providers will adopt practices that more closely resemble our agency's current practices. Outreach work will also become increasingly important as elements of the Affordable Care Act come into effect, particularly with the expansion and enrollment in Medicaid coverage based on income eligibility. As such, we have a unique perspective which puts us ahead of the curve relative to other homeless care providers.