 Homelessness is often discussed as a social problem, but at its core, it’s a human one. Each individual experiencing homelessness is more than a statistic—they’re someone’s child, sibling, or friend. And yet, too often, they are stripped of their dignity, reduced to mere figures in policy debates.
What if we reframed our perspective? What if we looked at people experiencing homelessness not as a problem to be solved, but as individuals deserving the same respect and humanity as anyone else? From our experience working on the frontlines of healthcare services for homeless populations at Ozanam House, we've seen how transformative human connection can be. It’s simple but powerful. And it’s something we can all bring to our daily interactions. The Power of Human Connection Homelessness doesn’t just take away shelter; it erodes a person’s sense of belonging, security, and often, their identity. Many of the individuals I’ve worked with experience a deep sense of isolation. They become invisible, ignored by a society that moves past them without a second glance. Imagine the feeling of walking down a busy street where no one acknowledges your existence. It’s not just disheartening—it’s dehumanizing. What’s missing in these interactions is something fundamental: a recognition of our shared humanity. Shifting the Narrative Step one in treating homeless individuals with dignity is to change the narrative around them. We need to stop thinking of people as “the homeless” and instead recognize that they are people experiencing homelessness. It’s a critical distinction. Homelessness is a situation—a crisis they are enduring—not a permanent identity. Too often, homelessness is framed as the consequence of poor choices. But this narrative is both misguided and dangerous. Yes, addiction and mental health challenges often play a role, but these are complex issues requiring empathy and support, not judgment. For many, homelessness results from systemic issues—job loss, domestic violence, or an absence of affordable housing—that can happen to anyone. Steps for Empathy and Action How do we, as individuals, shift from passive observers to active participants in treating homeless people with dignity? Here are practical ways to foster empathy and make a meaningful impact: 1. Acknowledge Them: Make eye contact. Say hello. These small gestures signal that they are seen—that they matter. 2. Listen to Their Stories: If the opportunity arises, have a conversation. You’ll often find remarkable resilience, intelligence, and humor. Listening fosters understanding and human connection. 3. Support Local Solutions: Get involved. Donate to shelters, volunteer at food banks, or support programs like Mobile GP, which provides healthcare to those in need. 4. Advocate for Change: The root causes of homelessness—lack of affordable housing, inadequate mental health services, and failing social safety nets—require systemic solutions. Use your voice to support policies that address these challenges. Restoring Dignity, One Interaction at a Time Treating people with dignity doesn’t require monumental acts. It starts with recognizing the humanity of everyone, regardless of their situation. When we look past labels and see the individual, we begin to understand how much we all have in common. A little dignity—extended through even the simplest of gestures—can help restore someone’s sense of worth and hope for the future. Ultimately, how we treat our most vulnerable citizens speaks volumes about our collective character. If we are serious about building a society that is compassionate, equitable, and just, we must start by treating everyone with the respect and humanity they deserve. Now is the time to act. Let’s reshape how we engage with the homeless population. Not through grand gestures or temporary solutions, but through daily acts of empathy and dignity. The ripple effect of small, intentional actions can lead to a society that values every human life, no matter their circumstances. And in doing so, we not only help others—we elevate ourselves. About the Author: Brett is a project manager. With over two decades of experience in the health and insurance industries, Brett leads initiatives focused on early interventions for ageing and healthcare access for underserved communities.
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From Homelessness to Health: How a Patient-Centered Mobile GP Program is Transforming Tracy's Life8/10/2024  Healthcare, at its core, is about more than just treating illnesses—it’s about addressing the needs of the whole person. In today’s world, where access to healthcare remains a challenge for vulnerable populations, particularly those experiencing homelessness, innovative models of care are critical. Tracy’s story is a testament to the power of personalised, multidisciplinary care delivered through a Mobile GP Program that is making a profound impact on those at the margins of society.
Tracy, a 52-year-old woman, joined the Mobile GP Program in November 2024. At the time, she was living at Ozanam House, a crisis accommodation facility, struggling with both physical and mental health challenges, compounded by homelessness and substance dependency. Her experience with healthcare systems in the past had been one of disconnection and dismissal—she felt like a number, not a person. But this time, things were different. Breaking Down Barriers to Care Tracy's journey with the Mobile GP Program began with more than just a medical appointment. The program, designed to serve individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of it, is built around the idea of meeting people where they are, literally and figuratively. For Tracy, this meant accessing care in a familiar and supportive environment at Ozanam House. Although the program relies heavily on telehealth, which allows patients to connect with a GP without leaving their residence, Tracy still had to attend Ozanam House for her appointments. While this posed occasional challenges—her mental and physical condition sometimes made it difficult to leave her room—it also ensured she had consistent, reliable access to healthcare. Under the care of her telehealth GP, Dr Hardik, Tracy was finally able to receive the mental health support she needed. She was connected with counselling services, helping her to address long-standing issues related to anxiety, depression, and alcohol dependency. Tracy completed an Alcohol Program and, for the first time in years, has remained sober for over 100 days. More than the medical treatment, though, Tracy valued the respect and dignity with which she was treated. "Dr Hardik is the first doctor who’s ever treated me like a human," she shared. That simple, yet profound, recognition made all the difference in her willingness to stay engaged with her care. The Power of Connection One of the key differentiators of the Mobile GP Program is its multidisciplinary approach. Beyond the telehealth GP, Tracy formed meaningful relationships with Brett, the Project Manager, and Jack, a nurse who became a consistent source of support. Their genuine care, humour, and connection built a sense of trust that Tracy had never experienced in a healthcare setting before. Healthcare is more than just prescriptions and diagnoses—it’s about people. Brett and Jack understood this and took the time to build rapport with Tracy, making sure that each appointment was not just a clinical check-up, but also an opportunity to connect on a human level. This rapport became a vital thread in Tracy’s journey towards stability. With the program’s support, Tracy was able to transition from homelessness into public housing arranged by Ozanam House. Stable housing, combined with her newfound sobriety and mental health improvements, set Tracy on a path to reclaiming her life. But this journey is not over; it is transforming, and each day brings new opportunities for growth and healing. The Impact of Tailored, Multidisciplinary Care The Mobile GP Program's effectiveness lies in its holistic approach to healthcare. Tracy’s progress highlights the importance of treating not just symptoms but the root causes of health issues—whether they be mental, physical, or social. By coordinating care across disciplines, the program was able to address Tracy’s health comprehensively. However, there were gaps. While telehealth and GP care were cornerstones of the program, Tracy could have benefited from a broader range of allied health services. Regular access to a physiotherapist or nutritionist, for example, could have bolstered her physical health even further. Expanding the program to incorporate allied health services could significantly enhance the outcomes for patients like Tracy, offering a more rounded approach to recovery and wellbeing. There’s also the challenge of access. Currently, patients like Tracy must travel to Ozanam House for their appointments. While the program has been successful within this framework, expanding telehealth capabilities to allow patients to receive care from their own homes—once they have moved into public housing—could increase patient engagement and reduce barriers to accessing consistent care. A Path Forward: Lessons for Healthcare Providers Tracy’s case underscores the critical need for healthcare programs that focus on both the physical and social determinants of health. Programs like the Mobile GP are not just about treating illness—they’re about restoring dignity, stability, and hope. For healthcare providers and policymakers, the lesson is clear: effective healthcare for vulnerable populations requires a comprehensive, patient-centred approach. By prioritising the human connection, offering consistent and coordinated care, and addressing the root causes of poor health, programs like the Mobile GP can make a meaningful difference. The next step is to scale these programs—both geographically and in scope. Expanding telehealth capabilities, incorporating allied health services, and addressing housing instability will be critical to ensuring that more patients like Tracy can access the care they need to regain control of their lives. Healthcare is evolving, and the time has come for more models like the Mobile GP Program to lead the way in transforming lives—one patient at a time. Final Thoughts Tracy’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and hope. It’s also a story of what healthcare can and should be—a system that treats people, not just patients, and sees beyond symptoms to address the whole person. As we continue to push for better healthcare models, let’s remember Tracy, and the countless others like her, who are depending on us to build a healthcare system that works for everyone. Author Bio: Brett is the Mobile GP Project Manager at Atticus Health, where he leads innovative healthcare initiatives aimed at providing comprehensive support to vulnerable populations. With a passion for patient-centred care and community engagement, Brett works tirelessly to improve health outcomes for individuals experiencing homelessness and to advocate for the integration of holistic health services. Through his leadership, the Mobile GP Program is transforming lives and creating pathways for stability and recovery.  Access to healthcare is a fundamental need, yet many vulnerable populations, including those experiencing homelessness and older adults, continue to face significant barriers. The Mobile GP Program offers an innovative solution, helping to bridge these gaps by bringing healthcare services directly to the people who need them most. This program combines telehealth and face-to-face consultations, offering a flexible, patient-centred approach. By involving a team of healthcare professionals, including GPs, specialists, and allied health workers, the program aims to improve health outcomes for populations that often struggle to access consistent care. Addressing the Challenges of Healthcare Access For individuals experiencing homelessness and for older adults, healthcare is not always easily accessible. Homeless individuals often lack the stability required to maintain regular medical appointments, while older adults, particularly those with limited mobility, may struggle to travel to a clinic. These challenges can lead to worsening health conditions, both physical and mental. The Mobile GP Program was developed in response to these needs, with the aim of offering more flexible, accessible care. By utilising both telehealth services and in-person consultations, the program provides a comprehensive healthcare model tailored to the needs of its patients. Telehealth: Convenience and Consistency One of the key features of the Mobile GP Program is its use of telehealth. Patients can connect with a General Practitioner (GP) via phone or video call, making healthcare more accessible for those who face barriers to attending physical appointments. For individuals experiencing homelessness, or those living in remote or difficult-to-reach areas, telehealth offers a practical solution. It allows for more regular check-ins, the management of chronic conditions, and the provision of advice without the need for travel. Telehealth has proven especially valuable for older adults who may have mobility challenges. These patients can still maintain a relationship with their healthcare provider and receive the necessary care without having to leave their homes. However, telehealth is not a complete substitute for in-person care, and that’s where the Mobile GP Program’s face-to-face consultations come in. Face-to-Face Consultations: When Hands-On Care is Essential While telehealth offers convenience, some situations call for direct, in-person care. To address this need, the Mobile GP Program also provides face-to-face consultations in community settings. Healthcare professionals visit patients in shelters, aged care facilities, and community hubs, bringing essential services to locations that are accessible for vulnerable populations. In-person consultations are critical for services like physical examinations, blood tests, and treatments that cannot be provided through telehealth. By combining both modes of care, the Mobile GP Program ensures that patients receive the right type of support when and where they need it. Multidisciplinary Care for Better Outcomes The success of the Mobile GP Program is not only due to its flexible approach but also to the diverse team of healthcare professionals involved. Patients have access to a range of specialists, from GPs to mental health social workers, physiotherapists, and geriatricians. This team-based approach helps ensure that all aspects of a patient’s health are addressed. For individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health support is particularly crucial. The instability of homelessness often leads to, or exacerbates, mental health issues. Having a mental health social worker on the team allows the program to provide emotional and psychological support in addition to physical healthcare. Older adults also benefit from this integrated approach. Geriatricians and physiotherapists work together to address mobility issues, chronic pain, and other age-related health concerns. For some, the Mobile GP Program has even facilitated access to home care services, ensuring that older patients receive ongoing support for their daily health needs. Improving Healthcare Equity One of the main goals of the Mobile GP Program is to improve healthcare equity. Vulnerable populations are often left behind by traditional healthcare systems, due to financial barriers, lack of transportation, or geographic isolation. By taking healthcare directly to these individuals, the Mobile GP Program is helping to close these gaps. The program also focuses on preventative care, which can help reduce the burden on emergency services. By providing regular check-ups, managing chronic conditions, and offering early interventions, the program aims to prevent health issues from escalating into emergencies. This not only benefits patients but also helps reduce strain on the healthcare system as a whole. Looking Ahead The Mobile GP Program is just one example of how healthcare can be adapted to better meet the needs of vulnerable populations. Its flexible combination of telehealth and face-to-face consultations, along with its multidisciplinary team, offers a model for how healthcare can be delivered more equitably and efficiently. While the program has made a difference in the lives of many, it still faces challenges in reaching more people and raising awareness of its services. As healthcare continues to evolve, programs like this one offer valuable insights into how we can better serve all members of our community. Raising Awareness As with any initiative, the success of the Mobile GP Program depends, in part, on public awareness. Sharing information about the program can help ensure that more individuals who need these services can access them. By spreading the word, we can support programs that bring healthcare to those who might otherwise go without. If you found this article helpful, consider sharing it with your network. Together, we can help raise awareness of the Mobile GP Program and the critical role it plays in improving healthcare for vulnerable populations. Author Bio: Brett is a Project Manager for Atticus Health and the Mobile GP Program, specialising in healthcare access for vulnerable populations. With 3 years of experience in healthcare management, Brett is committed to improving patient care for communities in need, including those experiencing homelessness and the elderly. In addition to his healthcare work, Brett is an advocate for local engagement, serving as the Executive Producer at Radio Western Port, where he fosters community connection through storytelling and information sharing. |
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