Valley Homeless Healthcare Program’s HomeFirst Shelter Expansion More Than Doubles Capacity to Annually Provide 3,000 Health Care Visits
Santa Clara Valley Healthcare’s VHHP HomeFirst location provides medical and support services for the county’s unhoused community
Santa Clara County, Calif. March 8, 2024– Santa Clara Valley Healthcare (SCVH) has expanded the footprint of its Valley Health Center (VHC) at HomeFirst Shelter, one of the Valley Homeless Healthcare Program (VHHP) clinic locations, more than doubling its capacity to care for the unhoused community in the county. The expansion of more than 2,200 additional square feet to almost 4,000 sq. ft. for its VHC at HomeFirst Shelter on Little Orchard Street in San Jose will improve care and create a better work environment.
VHHP, a longstanding, dedicated provider of health care services for the county’s unsheltered community, acquired the additional leased space to expand its medical clinic and support services, improve patient experience and flow, and provide added space for staff respite and patient resources.
“This allows the County to provide the proper medical and support services to those most in need,” said County of Santa Clara Supervisor Cindy Chavez. “No matter what their current situation, everyone deserves access to critical health care needs.”
The VHHP clinical care team focuses on treating the whole person by providing medical, social work, psychiatry, and psychology services. A person does not have to be staying at the shelter to receive medical services. Appointments are made through a same-day appointment system.
“We’re eager to utilize this new space to continue our mission-oriented work, and meet the comprehensive needs of our unsheltered neighbors,” said County of Santa Clara Supervisor Otto Lee. “This effort highlights the County’s commitment to our unhoused population.”
“Caring for those that need our help the most is at the heart of what the County does,” said Greta Hansen, Chief Operating Officer for the County of Santa Clara. “We are extremely appreciative of the support from the Board of Supervisors to fund these important initiatives for our unhoused population.”
Nursing staff will have expanded workspaces, enabling additional services such as social offered to clients such as social work and outreach. There are now dedicated staff entrances and exits to improve safety. The expanded location is now fully ADA compliant.
“Having the expanded clinic on the grounds of the HomeFirst shelter allows for more complete care for our community members who need it the most,” said Selene Ho, Director of Valley Homeless Healthcare Program. “The expansion of VHC at HomeFirst Shelter will not only provide enhanced access to medical and behavioral health care, but also to an array of support services including social services and referrals to much needed housing services.”
VHHP current clinic locations include the Valley Health Center (VHC) at Alexian, VHC at HomeFirst Shelter, Bill Wilson Clinic, and Hope Clinic. The program also provides services through three Mobile Health Centers that serve multiple locations throughout Santa Clara County. Additionally, VHHP serves specific communities with unique health care needs through its Medical Respite Program, Gender Clinic, Saludos Migrant Farmworker Clinic, Backpack Homeless Healthcare Program, and Teen Van.
The expansion of the VHHP location was made possible due to the collaborative efforts of HomeFirst and their willingness to provide the additional space.
"Expanding healthcare services directly to those experiencing homelessness or who have the most barriers to care is not just necessary; it's a lifeline. A remodeled medical clinic onsite where HomeFirst is already connected to those most in need further demonstrates our commitment to equity. It becomes a beacon of hope, breaking down barriers to access and fostering a community where everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can receive the care and compassion they deserve," said Andrea Urton, CEO HomeFirst.