Healthcare for the Homeless - Houston - Comprehensive Analysis Report
Summary
Healthcare for the Homeless - Houston (HHH) is a federally qualified health center (FQHC) established in 1999, uniquely dedicated to providing comprehensive and accessible healthcare services to individuals experiencing homelessness in Houston. It stands as the only FQHC in Houston exclusively focused on this vulnerable population. The organization's mission is to promote health, hope, and dignity, with a vision to create pathways enabling individuals to move beyond homelessness through integrated healthcare and strategic collaborative partnerships. HHH addresses a critical community need, serving a significant portion of the estimated 35,000 people who access homeless services annually in Harris County, and the over 3,200 individuals homeless on any given night.
1. Strategic Focus & Objectives
Core Objectives
Healthcare for the Homeless - Houston's core objectives revolve around expanding access to integrated healthcare and support services to Houston's homeless population. A primary goal in the early 2020s was to treat 8,000 to 10,000 clients annually, a substantial increase from its initial 1,000-1,200 clients. The organization strives to remove barriers to care by offering free services, requiring no insurance or co-pay.
Specialization Areas
HHH offers a wide range of specialized services, including:
Primary Medical Care: Comprehensive preventive, diagnostic, and basic treatment services.
Dental Care: Full spectrum of dental services, from exams and cleanings to fillings, extractions, and restorations.
Vision and Ophthalmology: Vision screenings, eye exams, and providing prescription glasses, with expanded weekly vision care in 2023.
Podiatry: Treatment, preventive care, and footwear solutions.
Integrated Mental Health and Behavioral Health: Counseling, therapy, and psychiatry services, including trauma-informed mental health and adult/pediatric psychiatry.
Well Women’s Care and Pediatric Medicine: Tailored services for homeless women and children.
Case Management and Care Coordination: Facilitating access to housing, social services, community resources, and addiction counseling.
Transportation (Project Access): Free bus transportation with 23 stops at various agencies, shelters, and health centers, providing critical access to care.
HIV Prevention: HIV screening, treatment, and prevention services.
Clinical Education: Providing hands-on experience for medical students in a compassionate environment.
Street Medicine Outreach Team: Delivering direct medical care and linkage to services for unsheltered individuals.
Jail Inreach Project: A program establishing relationships between case managers and incarcerated patients to create patient-centered release plans for direct access to HHH services post-release, which has been shown to reduce rearrest rates by 62 percent.
Target Markets
The primary target market for Healthcare for the Homeless - Houston is individuals and families experiencing homelessness or those at risk of homelessness in the greater Houston area. This includes individuals living on the streets, in shelters, or in transitional and permanent supportive housing. The organization specifically serves populations with disproportionately high rates of mental illness (30%), substance use disorder (24%), and chronic physical health issues, with over 80% lacking health insurance.
2. Financial Overview
Healthcare for the Homeless - Houston is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Funding History
The organization relies heavily on grants, donations, and volunteer services to support its operations, given that less than 4% of services are covered by Medicaid or Medicare.
Revenue (2024): Approximately $7.94 million. In 2023, total revenues were $7,176,486.
Expenses (2024): Around $8.46 million. In 2023, total expenses were $8,345,834.
Total Assets (2024): $7.76 million. In 2023, total assets were $8,292,061.
Total Liabilities (2024): $2.1 million.
Key Donors and Funding Contributors:
Houston Methodist Hospital
The Hamill Foundation
The Cullen Trust for Health Care
Episcopal Health Foundation
Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County
Program-Specific Support:
Community Development Block Grant Funding (Harris County Housing + Community Development) supports medical and dental clinic services.
City of Houston Housing + Community Development provides funding for Project Access transportation services.
3. Product Pipeline
Healthcare for the Homeless - Houston continuously expands its services and accessibility to better serve the homeless population through strategic development and partnerships.
Key Products/Services
Clinic Expansion:
Description: HHH has grown from an initial two-exam room clinic to operate three integrated care clinics: the Caroline Street Clinic, the Cathedral Clinic at The Beacon (opened 2007), and the Reed Family Clinic (opened 2021).
Impact: This expansion has significantly increased the organization's capacity to deliver integrated healthcare.
Reed Family Clinic:
Description: Established in collaboration with New Hope Housing Reed, University of Texas (UT) Health, and Baylor College of Medicine, this clinic specializes in healthcare for families, particularly single mothers and children experiencing chronic housing instability.
Target Market: Homeless families, single mothers, and children.
Key Features: Offers adult primary care (including well women's services), pediatric medicine, trauma-informed mental health services, adult and pediatric psychiatry, care coordination, and case management.
On-site Care:
Description: HHH provides direct on-site care at seven permanent supportive housing communities through partnerships with organizations such as SEARCH Homeless Services, New Hope Housing, and Temenos CDC.
Benefits: This brings healthcare directly to individuals in stable housing environments, promoting continuity of care.
Project Access Growth:
Description: The Project Access transportation program, established in 2004, has expanded its route to include 23 stops at various agencies, shelters, and health centers. In 2023, it provided 4,518 rides to 1,646 individuals.
Impact: Addresses a major barrier to healthcare access for the homeless population.
COVID-19 Response:
Description: In 2020, HHH partnered with GMED Global to provide rapid COVID-19 testing and became the official testing site for unsheltered individuals and those in shelters. The organization also coordinated isolation and quarantine efforts.
Impact: Provided crucial public health services during a global pandemic to a highly vulnerable population.
4. Technology & Innovation
Healthcare for the Homeless - Houston leverages innovative approaches to healthcare delivery tailored to the unique needs of the homeless population.
Technology Stack
Mobile Units and Street Medicine:
Description: HHH utilizes mobile units to deliver primary medical care, dental care, mental health, and substance use services directly to individuals in shelters and on the streets. The Street Medicine Outreach Team conducts weekly visits by physicians, medical assistants, and community health workers to provide care and linkage to essential services for unsheltered individuals.
Technical Capabilities: Enables direct, on-the-spot medical intervention and follow-up.
Project Access Transportation Network:
Description: This specialized transportation network provides free, all-ability accessible bus service along a route connecting social service and healthcare agencies, removing a significant barrier to care.
Proprietary Developments: This dedicated route and service model specifically cater to the logistical challenges faced by the homeless community.
Integrated Care Model:
Description: HHH employs a model that co-locates medical care, mental health, addiction counseling, intensive case management, and comprehensive dental care within single access points.
Scientific Methodologies: This holistic approach aims to improve health outcomes, stability, and the ability to maintain housing.
Electronic Medical Records (EMR):
Description: HHH utilizes EMR systems to manage patient information and facilitate care coordination across its various clinics and outreach programs.
Technical Capabilities: Enhances continuity of care, improves data management, and supports integrated service delivery.
5. Leadership & Management
Executive Team
Carlie A. Brown, MPH, MHA - Chief Executive Officer
Professional Background: Succeeded Frances Isbell as CEO in 2022.
Notable Achievements: Leads the strategic direction and operations of HHH, continuing its mission of serving the homeless community. Compensated $190,000 in 2024.
Kathryn Rogers, MSW - Executive Vice President
Professional Background: Holds a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Houston. Previously served as Chief Development Officer and Associate Director of Development at HHH. Compensated $104,741 in 2024 as Chief Development Officer.
Victoria McCurry, MD - Chief Medical Officer
Key Contributions: Oversees all medical operations and clinical services.
Montique Williams, MBA - Chief Financial Officer
Key Contributions: Manages the financial strategy and operations of the nonprofit.
Howard Dabney, M. Psych - Manager of Programs & Outreach
Mudit Gilotra, MD, MPH - Associate Medical Director
Shelina Lee, MS, LPC - Director of Behavioral Health Services
Recent Leadership Changes
CEO Transition: Carlie A. Brown assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer in 2022, succeeding Frances Isbell, who served as CEO for over two decades and was instrumental in establishing HOMES Clinic.
Executive Promotion: Kathryn Rogers was promoted to Executive Vice President, having previously held the position of Chief Development Officer.
6. Talent and Growth Indicators
Healthcare for the Homeless - Houston demonstrates a clear growth trajectory, evidenced by its expanding services and active recruitment efforts.
Hiring Trends and Workforce
Current Hiring Patterns: Recent job postings indicate recruitment for critical roles such as Advanced Practice Provider (Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner), Community Health Worker, and Behavioral Health Consultant. These roles underscore the organization's focus on direct patient care, community outreach, and mental health support.
Key Roles Being Recruited: These positions are essential for supporting HHH’s integrated care model across its clinic locations and street medicine initiatives.
Company Size and Expansion Metrics: HHH serves 4,984 unduplicated adults and children in 2023, having conducted 22,840 in-person clinic visits across nine service sites. The organization has significantly expanded its client base, reporting that it treats 8,000 to 10,000 clients annually in the early 2020s, a substantial increase from the 1,000 to 1,200 clients served during its first year of operation. This indicates significant growth in the scope and reach of its services.
7. Social Media Presence and Engagement
Digital Footprint
Healthcare for the Homeless - Houston maintains an active and strategic presence across several social media platforms to engage with the community, raise awareness, and advocate for its mission.
Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/healthcareforthehomelesshouston](https://www.facebook.com/healthcareforthehomelesshouston)
Twitter/X: [https://twitter.com/HHH_Houston](https://twitter.com/HHH_Houston)
LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/healthcare-for-the-homeless-houston](https://www.linkedin.com/company/healthcare-for-the-homeless-houston)
YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/user/HHHOUSTON](https://www.youtube.com/user/HHHOUSTON)
Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/hhh_houston](https://www.instagram.com/hhh_houston)
Brand Messaging and Positioning: Messaging consistently revolves around promoting health, hope, and dignity for the homeless, emphasizing accessible and comprehensive quality care, and advocating for pathways to move beyond homelessness.
8. Recognition and Awards
Industry Recognition
While the provided text refers to "Healthcare for the Homeless Houston," some search results about awards relate to "Harris Health System's Healthcare for the Homeless Program," which appears to be a separate, though related, entity or a broader system that HHH partners with. The independent HHH has been recognized for its impactful work.
The program led by Harris Health System, which HHH collaborates with, received several national recognitions in 2022 from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), including a silver badge for Health Center Quality Leader, Advancing Health Information Technology for Quality, COVID-19 Public Health Champion, and Patient-Centered Medical Home. Harris Health System's Healthcare for the Homeless Program also received a Quality Improvement Award from HRSA, along with a monetary award, for its success in improving various quality measures, such as increasing colorectal cancer screenings among Houston's homeless population. This was the fourth consecutive year for this national recognition for Harris Health's program.
9. Competitive Analysis
Major Competitors
While Healthcare for the Homeless - Houston is the only federally qualified health center (FQHC) in Houston exclusively focused on serving those affected by homelessness, other organizations and programs in Houston provide healthcare and social services to the homeless population. These can be considered as serving similar needs or being complementary service providers rather than direct FQHC competitors:
Harris Health System's Healthcare for the Homeless Program: This program, while distinct, offers similar services through shelter-based clinics and mobile units, including primary medical care, dental care, mental health, and substance use services. They also provide eligibility and registration services.
SEARCH Homeless Services: A long-standing organization providing integrated services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, including access to healthcare, housing, and employment.
The Beacon: A day center providing services to the homeless, including meals, showers, laundry, and access to other social services and healthcare providers (where HHH operates its Cathedral Clinic).
New Hope Housing: Focuses on providing affordable housing and supportive services for people experiencing homelessness, often partnering with healthcare providers like HHH for on-site care.
Other Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in Houston: While not exclusively focused on the homeless, other FQHCs may serve homeless individuals as part of their broader community care mission. These include Avenue 360 Health and Wellness, El Centro de Corazon, Hope Clinic, Legacy Community Health, Lone Star Family Health Center, San Jose Clinic, and Spring Branch Community Health Center.
10. Market Analysis
Market Overview
Total Addressable Market Size: Approximately 35,000 individuals access homeless services annually in Harris County. On any given night, over 3,200 individuals are homeless, with about 1,100 unsheltered, according to the 2024 PIT Count.
Growth Potential: The persistent issue of homelessness in a major metropolitan area like Houston indicates a continuous and substantial need for specialized healthcare services for this population. Initiatives like the City of Houston's plan to end street homelessness by 2026 highlight ongoing efforts to address the issue, which will still require robust healthcare support for those transitioning out of homelessness.
Key Market Trends:
Integrated Care: A growing emphasis on integrated models that combine medical, mental health, and social services under one roof to address complex needs.
Street Outreach: Increased focus on direct outreach and "street medicine" to reach unsheltered individuals.
Supportive Housing Linkages: Stronger partnerships between healthcare providers and permanent supportive housing initiatives to ensure continuity of care and stable housing.
Addressing Social Determinants of Health: Recognition that factors like transportation, housing, and social support are crucial for health outcomes.
Market Challenges and Opportunities:
Challenges: High rates of uninsured patients, complex health needs (mental illness, substance use, chronic conditions), stigma associated with homelessness, and reliance on grants and donations for financial sustainability.
Opportunities: Expanding partnerships with housing providers and other social service agencies, leveraging mobile health technologies, and advocating for policies that support integrated care for vulnerable populations.
11. Strategic Partnerships
Healthcare for the Homeless - Houston actively engages in partnerships to enhance its service delivery and reach.
Houston Methodist Hospital: A major current donor and funding contributor.
The Hamill Foundation, The Cullen Trust for Health Care, Episcopal Health Foundation, Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County: Major current donors and funding contributors.
Harris County Housing + Community Development: Provides Community Development Block Grant Funding for medical and dental clinic services.
* City of Houston Housing + Community Development: Supports Project Access services.
