MaineHealth learning collaborative closes gaps in care for people experiencing homelessness
More than 771,000 people in the U.S. experienced homelessness in 2024 — the highest number ever recorded and an increase of 18% from 2023, according to a Department of Housing and Urban Development report. The HUD report estimated that homelessness in the state of Maine dropped by 36% in 2024. But Maine government officials and housing advocates believe that statistic underestimates the actual number of people who are experiencing homelessness, including those living in cars or in the woods.
To provide outreach, engagement and safe, person-centered care to those experiencing or at risk of homelessness, the MaineHealth–Preble Street Learning Collaborative (PSLC) was founded by MaineHealth Maine Medical Center, Preble Street — a nonprofit social service agency — and other community partners in Portland in January 2017.
Overall, the PSLC helps to identify gaps in care and reduce emergency department visits that could be addressed by primary care providers. Specific services offered by the collaborative include walk-in medical services, urgent care, follow-up care and wound care; case management and care coordination with other health care organizations for additional primary and specialty care; mental health outreach; dental care; and help accessing community resources.
Another element of the PSLC is engaging Maine Medical Center medical residents, along with behavioral health, dental, pharmacy and nursing professionals in training, for on-site learning activities. By meeting a client at a soup kitchen and then accompanying them to a PSLC visit or leading a support group session addressing the stress of living on the street or in a shelter, these medical residents and students become more aware of the needs of people dealing with sustained hardship and the impact of health disparities.
Community partners involved with the PSLC include Greater Portland Health, a federally qualified health center; Community Dental; Portland Public Health; Northern Light Mercy Hospital; and VA Maine Healthcare System.