Health Care for the Homeless

In the summer of 2002, Families First received its first federal grant from the U.S. government, to be used to provide health care for people experiencing homelessness. In December 2002, the program hit the road, carrying health care providers on vans to shelters and other places in Rockingham and Strafford counties where homeless people spend time.

Patients can get a variety of services on the vans, including routine physicals and treatment for illnesses. In addition, one of the most important services provided on the vans is care coordination — linking people with free or low–cost community services, including those offered by Families First and other community health centers.

The program is not only for people living in shelters or on the streets, but for anyone living in temporary housing, including those "sofa-surfing" at a friend's house or living in a campground or a winter rental.

Patients seen on the van can pay with Medicaid or other insurance if they have it; if not, there is no charge.

The vans visit sites in Portsmouth, Hampton, Dover and Rochester. The following schedule is usually in effect, but be sure to call to check for changes:

PORTSMOUTH

• Cross Roads House, Lafayette Rd, Mondays 9-11:30 a.m. and Thursdays 8:30-10:30 a.m.
  
• Seacoast Community Church, Lafayette Rd., first Tuesday of the month, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Salvation Army (upstairs), Middle St., second and fourth Tuesday, 4 to 6 p.m.
  
• St. John’s Episcopal Church, Chapel St., Thursdays, 11 a.m to 2 p.m.

HAMPTON

• On Hampton Beach, across from McDonald's / next to the Commerce building, every Tuesday except the first Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

DOVER

• Train Station, Chestnut St., Wednesdays, 9-11 a.m.
  

ROCHESTER

• Salvation Army, 10 Olde Farm Lane, Wednesdays, 12:30-2:15 p.m.
  

To check the schedule, call toll-free 1–888–922-0005, or 766–9220 from the Portsmouth area. Click here for a printable schedule in calendar format.