How a medical respite care program offers a pathway to health and housing for people experiencing homelessness

When Maureen was faced with the loss of her income, she found herself unable to pay rent and was evicted from her apartment. She moved into her car with her dog, Trenor, on the streets of Ventura, California. Living with diabetes made it difficult to manage her health and she landed in the hospital. Her situation was complicated by memory loss and the risk of COVID-19. Maureen’s condition stabilized after several days and hospital staff recommended that she receive ongoing care. She needed somewhere to recuperate until she could find a permanent place to live.