Arizona communities suffer one of the highest instances of childhood homelessness in the country, with nearly 30,000 youth experiencing homelessness in the state. Children who are homeless endure more health problems than their peers. They visit hospital emergency rooms more frequently and are exposed to increased health stressors than their peers with stable housing. The Homeless Youth Outreach (HYO) program at Phoenix Children’s takes healthcare right to the streets increasing access to critical medical services needed to become and remain healthy. Nearly 65 percent of populations served by HYO are minorities and we strive to promote inclusivity through medical care, regardless of ability to pay.
Since 2000, the Homeless Youth Outreach program has been providing primary and preventative healthcare to youth ages birth through 24 years old who are homeless or at risk of homelessness regardless of insurance status and ability to pay. Through our mobile medical units (Crews’n Healthmobiles) travelling around the Valley and fixed site clinics, we provide holistic wraparound services that address the medical and behavioral health concerns of each patient, including dispensing much needed pharmaceuticals and medical supplies; assisting patients with medical and community referral follow up; and, completing comprehensive health screenings—all free to our patients and their families. Support from our community allows our services to continue to reach high-need areas and give children the resources they need on their path to health and wellness.
HYO currently provides 30 weekly half day clinics utilizing three Mobile Medical Units and three fixed-site clinics including our partnership with UMOM at the New Day Center, helping families who are struggling. The program collaborates with other youth serving organizations where children and young adults are being housed, educated, and receiving other necessary services. Annually, HYO provides care to over 2,000 children through nearly 10,000 encounters.
The Homeless Youth Outreach program improves access to care for those without a routine course of care and provides a high quality medical home to those who need it most. The program eliminates barriers such as lack of insurance or identification, a need for parental consent or inability to access traditional clinics.
Help us reach our $50,000 goal by making a donation to the Homeless Youth Outreach program at Phoenix Children's Hospital. Your support helps children facing homelessness, hunger, poverty, abuse and neglect have an opportunity to receive hope and holistic healthcare with respect and heart.
We hope that you’ll share in our commitment to advancing the health and well-being of at-risk and homeless youth in Arizona and beyond.