A new mobile medical clinic will deliver primary care services to homeless families and individuals throughout Multnomah County. The 40-foot mobile clinic will provide access to medical care, lab, and screening services at designated social-service agencies. It is estimated that the project will provide care for more than 2,200 homeless and medically underserved individuals with more than 10,000 visits in its first year.
The Coalition for Homeless Families estimates that there are 8,388 persons living in homeless families in Multnomah County. In 2004, the Multnomah County Health Department conducted a survey of 144 homeless families and found:
Eight community organizations will host the mobile medical clinic and will assure that clients have access to services such as case management, domestic violence intervention, housing, employment, education and support groups. Host organizations include: Albina Ministerial Alliance; Community Transitional School; Friendly House; Human Solutions – Mid-County site; JOIN; Portland Impact – Gateway and Brentwood Darlington offices; and Salvation Army Harbor Light, Door of Hope.
Funding for the van and its medical services was made possible by a $50,000 grant from Kaiser Permanente, $123,000 from United Way, and a $498,000 federal grant from Health Resources and Services Administration. Multnomah County contributed $27,300 toward the purchase of the van.