After an injury, hospitalization, or surgery, people experiencing homelessness need a safe place to recuperate, with supportive services and referrals to a range of medical, behavioral, housing, and other services. But in many places in the U.S., they have no alternative other than returning to the street or a homeless shelter. As a result, they often go back to the emergency department or are readmitted to the hospital. This results in worse health outcomes and higher medical spending.

Yakima Neighborhood Health Services (YNHS), a federally qualified health center in Yakima, Washington, launched a medical respite care (MRC) program in 2010 after a focus group of patients experiencing homelessness stressed that that they needed a place to stay when they were sick. Since then, the MRC program has grown from five to 10 beds at two congregate living sites, plus additional beds at several motels in Yakima and nearby towns in central Washington. The staff connects clients with primary care, behavioral health, and addiction treatment providers at YNHS’ 10 clinics.

This profile is part of an ongoing series, In the Field: Spotlight on Complex Care Interventions, that is highlighting how organizations are implementing evidence-based and promising innovations to improve care for people with complex health and social needs.

*Author Harris Meyer is a freelance journalist who has been writing about health care policy and delivery since 1986.