The Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) is a services only program that offers medical screenings, routine health care, medical referrals, benefits counseling, and housing referrals. The facility travels to different locations each day, and will have set times to go to certain locations such as community centers on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.

 The Mobile Medical Unit serves veterans, substance abuse, mental health, and dual diagnosis. Clients of the MMU are made up of chronic homelessness as well as episodic. 15% of clients live on the street chronically, and another 20% have been in shelters and transitional housing chronically.

All clients of the MMU must be HUD defined homeless or Veterans, and can utilize services as long as necessary. About 30 individuals are served on a daily basis. The majority of clients were introduced to homelessness by mental health and substance abuse issues and complications. Many of the Veterans have emotional issues that need treatment.

The most prevalent barrier keeping people from permanent housing is the lack of availability of safe, affordable housing. Transitional housing stays have a 2 year maximum, and afterwards, many people have no where to go. Tara O’Connor, the Chief Financial Officer/ Assistant Director of Veteran Hospice Homestead, believes that there needs to be more permanent, supportive housing for this demographic. The needs of the MMU clients can be large, and without supportive programs in place, people cannot remain in stable situations.

The MMU refers individuals to housing programs, and get about 25% of the clients into housing. This is a very important first step. The program has made many successful referrals, such as one Veteran who had never lived on his own, and was suddenly alone. The MMU gave him applications for benefits and housing, and he returned with them filled out completely. He moved into transitional housing for a year and a half, learned to live independently, and successfully moved to his own apartment.

The MMU is a very unique and necessary program. It is non-threatening to homeless individuals, and allows them to get access to the appropriate care. The MMU refers clients to other programs they might need, and as a result, bridges the gap of getting people into appropriate services.

Unfortunately, in the Fall of 2006, funding was cut to this essential program. The Veterans Hospice Homestead is now trying to raise 30 thousand dollars to keep the MMU on the road and serving people in need.

For more information on the MMU and other programs at the Veteran Hospice Homestead, go to: http://vethospice.com.