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Bridge Healing: A Pilot Project of a New Model to Prevent Repeat “Social Admit” Visits to the Emergency Department and Help Break the Cycle of Homelessness in Canada

Author

Listed:
  • Matthew Robrigado

    (Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada)

  • Igor Zorić

    (Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada)

  • David A. Sleet

    (Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
    Bizzell US, New Carrollton, MD 20785, USA)

  • Louis Hugo Francescutti

    (Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada)

Abstract

Homelessness continues to be a pervasive public health problem throughout Canada. Hospital Emergency Departments (EDs) and inpatient wards have become a source of temporary care and shelter for homeless patients. Upon leaving the hospital, homeless patients are not more equipped than before to find permanent housing. The Bridge Healing program in Edmonton, Alberta, has emerged as a novel approach to addressing homelessness by providing transitional housing for those relying on repeated visits to the ED. This paper describes the three essential components to the Bridge Healing model: partnership between the ED and a Housing First community organization; facility design based on The Eden Alternative™ principles; and grassroots community funding. This paper, in conjunction with the current pilot project of the Bridge Healing facilities, serves as a proof of concept for the model and can inform transitional housing approaches in other communities.

Suggested Citation

  • Matthew Robrigado & Igor Zorić & David A. Sleet & Louis Hugo Francescutti, 2023. "Bridge Healing: A Pilot Project of a New Model to Prevent Repeat “Social Admit” Visits to the Emergency Department and Help Break the Cycle of Homelessness in Canada," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(19), pages 1, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:19:p:6845-:d:1248940
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. David A. Sleet & Louis Hugo Francescutti, 2021. "Homelessness and Public Health: A Focus on Strategies and Solutions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-6, November.
    2. Anson Wong & Jerry Chen & Renée Dicipulo & Danielle Weiss & David A. Sleet & Louis Hugo Francescutti, 2020. "Combatting Homelessness in Canada: Applying Lessons Learned from Six Tiny Villages to the Edmonton Bridge Healing Program," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-19, August.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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