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Reaching Out: HomelessnessSt. Joseph’s Medical Clinic is a member agency of the Housing Action Coalition/Continuum of Care in Waukesha County. We have on staff a Registered Nurse acting in the capacity of Medical Case Manager to individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. As of January 2016, there were close 200 individuals homeless and living on the street, an 11% increase from 2015. Our services assist approximately 60+ individuals with medical care, patient health education, medications and referrals to gain housing, transportation, and food. 6% of those we serve are in shelter.
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Collaboration |
We work with community partners helping homeless individuals and families and those at risk of homelessness by providing medical care. As a member agency of the Housing Action Coalition/Continuum of Care, we partners with the following community partners.
Click on each organizations name below to learn more about the services offered! |
Health Issues |
Those experiencing homelessness are more likely to be diabetic and have chronic health issues (Hypertension, high cholesterol). Those sleeping rough have to deal with weather issues, enforcement issues involving police and “having to move on”, exposure to ticks and bug bites, loss of possessions, lack of hygiene facilities, food storage, etc. Those doubling up sleep on sofas, floors or any space available. They can compromise the stability of the “host” and force an eviction. Possessions left at someone else’s housing can disappear. The situation many times is multiple people in cramped quarters, involves drinking, etc (which is also an issue when sleeping rough). Pneumonias and Upper Respiratory Infections are more prevalent in the winter, issues with bug bites, ticks and infections is an issue in summer.
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Success Story
John R
In 2017, St. Joseph’s Medical Clinic started working with John when he was in Siena House homeless shelter in Waukesha. John is a 54-year old male who has spent 25 years of his life managing book stores in the Milwaukee area. While in his 40s, he developed both cardiac and musculoskeletal problems. He also became diabetic. As a result of evolving health issues, John has had multiple back surgeries. This led to a multi-year unemployment scenario leading to unmanageable medical debt that were compounded by the loss of his job. John experienced severe depression due to the loss of his ability to work. He had been working in book stores since graduating college. Ultimately, John ended up homeless.
The Homeless Outreach program at St. Joseph’s Medical Clinic in partnership with Forest County Potawatomi Foundation outreaches and medically triages community members who are homeless or on the edge of homelessness. The program is administered by an experienced Registered Nurse (RN) Case Manager. At the juncture St. Joseph’s Medical Clinic intervened with compassionate care and assistance to John, the RN and John developed a plan. Together, they reviewed John’s medications, monitored his blood pressure and diabetes, and managed his multiple medical and mental health appointments.
When John had transferred to The Salvation Army Emergency, St. Joseph’s Medical Clinic continued to help John. In spring of 2017, John won his appeal for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). This has allowed John to afford housing, transportation and food. His medical status is stable. The depression is also under control. While in the shelters, he had volunteered at the Literacy Center. John’s goal is to continue “giving back”.
St. Joseph’s Medical Clinic is grateful for the generous support through the Forest County Potawatomi Foundation. Our missions align in helping low-income, vulnerable individuals and families overcome challenges. It is a value to steer patients towards a healthier journey and a better tomorrow.
In 2017, St. Joseph’s Medical Clinic started working with John when he was in Siena House homeless shelter in Waukesha. John is a 54-year old male who has spent 25 years of his life managing book stores in the Milwaukee area. While in his 40s, he developed both cardiac and musculoskeletal problems. He also became diabetic. As a result of evolving health issues, John has had multiple back surgeries. This led to a multi-year unemployment scenario leading to unmanageable medical debt that were compounded by the loss of his job. John experienced severe depression due to the loss of his ability to work. He had been working in book stores since graduating college. Ultimately, John ended up homeless.
The Homeless Outreach program at St. Joseph’s Medical Clinic in partnership with Forest County Potawatomi Foundation outreaches and medically triages community members who are homeless or on the edge of homelessness. The program is administered by an experienced Registered Nurse (RN) Case Manager. At the juncture St. Joseph’s Medical Clinic intervened with compassionate care and assistance to John, the RN and John developed a plan. Together, they reviewed John’s medications, monitored his blood pressure and diabetes, and managed his multiple medical and mental health appointments.
When John had transferred to The Salvation Army Emergency, St. Joseph’s Medical Clinic continued to help John. In spring of 2017, John won his appeal for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). This has allowed John to afford housing, transportation and food. His medical status is stable. The depression is also under control. While in the shelters, he had volunteered at the Literacy Center. John’s goal is to continue “giving back”.
St. Joseph’s Medical Clinic is grateful for the generous support through the Forest County Potawatomi Foundation. Our missions align in helping low-income, vulnerable individuals and families overcome challenges. It is a value to steer patients towards a healthier journey and a better tomorrow.
ST. JOSEPH’S MEDICAL CLINIC RECEIVES GRANT AWARD FROM
FOREST COUNTY POTAWATOMI FOUNDATION
Click on the logo to connect to the Forest County Potawatomi Foundation!
St. Joseph’s Medical Clinic, Inc., a free clinic serving Waukesha County, is a grant recipient of the Forest County Potawatomi Foundation. The $15,000 grant award will be used towards continuing services the clinic’s Homeless Outreach program.
St. Joseph’s Medical Clinic is a member agency of the Housing Action Coalition for Waukesha County, Inc. The Mission of the Housing Action Coalition is to educate, advocate, and raise awareness while providing a cohesive coordinated response to homelessness and the issues related to it in Waukesha County. As a member agency of the coalition, St. Joseph’s Medical Clinic is a critical partner in providing medical care and case management for the community’s most vulnerable. Nancy Reinbold, Registered Nurse Homeless Outreach Coordinator at the clinic explained, “As part of a state-wide effort, volunteers from area non-profits go out in to the community twice a year to count the number of homeless men, women, and children. These numbers then assist in determining the needs of those experiencing homelessness.”
Last year, St. Joseph’s Medical Clinic served over 100 individuals either homeless or at risk of homelessness who are experiencing medical and behavioral health issues. Overall, the clinic experienced a 65% increase in patients needing help with their medical care due to the inability to afford healthcare or health insurance. The clinic has a priority to medically stabilize the patient and help them to community resources such as housing and transportation vouchers. Many of the community’s homeless welcome the assistance from the community’s health and human service partners.
With potential change in the nation’s healthcare laws, it is critical that homeless individuals and families receive the care, treatment, and support they need to live productive and sustainable lives. Homelessness, studies show, can magnify health issues turning them in to challenging chronic issues. Jessica Osenbrügge, Executive Director of St. Joseph’s Medical Clinic, explained, “Forest County Potawatomi Foundation is a generous and compassionate community partner for so many critical programs across the state. We are delighted to have received this grant opportunity, and to partner with the foundation. It will provide direct help to those that are homeless and increase their access to medical care and support”.
In 2016, St. Joseph’s Medical Clinic and ProHealth Care’s Waukesha Family Practice Center began a partnership to increase primary and specialty care access for the uninsured and underserved individuals and families who reside, work, or attend higher education in Waukesha County. This partnership developed the “Continuity of Care” model which is designed to provide patients with a neighborhood medical home. The program offers primary care, chronic disease management, health education, labs and x-rays, medications, specialty care including podiatry, women’s health, and physical therapy, and referrals and support to many health and human services agencies in Waukesha County. The clinic also has a Latino Health program. In 2017, services are expanding to include physical exams, occupational therapy, food delivery service through a partnership with the Food Pantry of Waukesha County, and Behavioral Health.
St. Joseph’s Medical Clinic, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, assists uninsured or underinsured individuals and operates with a small core staff and volunteer medical providers from local healthcare systems. Helping patients understand how to manage their health including nutrition education and exercise along with support in coordinating medical care with local healthcare systems and community resources is a core component of the clinic’s medical care. For a full listing of services, hours of operation, to make an appointment, or to donate, contact the clinic at 262-544-6777 or visit the clinic on the web at www.sjmdc.net.
St. Joseph’s Medical Clinic is a member agency of the Housing Action Coalition for Waukesha County, Inc. The Mission of the Housing Action Coalition is to educate, advocate, and raise awareness while providing a cohesive coordinated response to homelessness and the issues related to it in Waukesha County. As a member agency of the coalition, St. Joseph’s Medical Clinic is a critical partner in providing medical care and case management for the community’s most vulnerable. Nancy Reinbold, Registered Nurse Homeless Outreach Coordinator at the clinic explained, “As part of a state-wide effort, volunteers from area non-profits go out in to the community twice a year to count the number of homeless men, women, and children. These numbers then assist in determining the needs of those experiencing homelessness.”
Last year, St. Joseph’s Medical Clinic served over 100 individuals either homeless or at risk of homelessness who are experiencing medical and behavioral health issues. Overall, the clinic experienced a 65% increase in patients needing help with their medical care due to the inability to afford healthcare or health insurance. The clinic has a priority to medically stabilize the patient and help them to community resources such as housing and transportation vouchers. Many of the community’s homeless welcome the assistance from the community’s health and human service partners.
With potential change in the nation’s healthcare laws, it is critical that homeless individuals and families receive the care, treatment, and support they need to live productive and sustainable lives. Homelessness, studies show, can magnify health issues turning them in to challenging chronic issues. Jessica Osenbrügge, Executive Director of St. Joseph’s Medical Clinic, explained, “Forest County Potawatomi Foundation is a generous and compassionate community partner for so many critical programs across the state. We are delighted to have received this grant opportunity, and to partner with the foundation. It will provide direct help to those that are homeless and increase their access to medical care and support”.
In 2016, St. Joseph’s Medical Clinic and ProHealth Care’s Waukesha Family Practice Center began a partnership to increase primary and specialty care access for the uninsured and underserved individuals and families who reside, work, or attend higher education in Waukesha County. This partnership developed the “Continuity of Care” model which is designed to provide patients with a neighborhood medical home. The program offers primary care, chronic disease management, health education, labs and x-rays, medications, specialty care including podiatry, women’s health, and physical therapy, and referrals and support to many health and human services agencies in Waukesha County. The clinic also has a Latino Health program. In 2017, services are expanding to include physical exams, occupational therapy, food delivery service through a partnership with the Food Pantry of Waukesha County, and Behavioral Health.
St. Joseph’s Medical Clinic, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, assists uninsured or underinsured individuals and operates with a small core staff and volunteer medical providers from local healthcare systems. Helping patients understand how to manage their health including nutrition education and exercise along with support in coordinating medical care with local healthcare systems and community resources is a core component of the clinic’s medical care. For a full listing of services, hours of operation, to make an appointment, or to donate, contact the clinic at 262-544-6777 or visit the clinic on the web at www.sjmdc.net.