Health Engagement Action Resource Team (HEART)

Health Care for the Homeless' Health Engagement Action Resource Team (HEART) is a partnership between community health workers and nursing. It was born during the COVID-19 pandemic, out of the recognized need to promote holistic health in communities experiencing homelessness, both unsheltered and in congregate settings.

Our mission is to ensure that people experiencing homelessness in King County have access to the health they deserve, on their terms. We provide person-centered services that are equitable and racially just through a harm-reduction, trauma-informed lens. By providing direct outreach work to people living unsheltered, as well as collaborating with providers in congregate settings, we are able to take a multidisciplinary approach to fulfilling our mission.

Current services for people living unsheltered

• Linkages to hygiene supports at encampment sites
• Proactive outreach on current and upcoming public health measures
• Linkages to primary care, behavioral health teams, and social workers
• Basic supplies to people living unsheltered
  
  • Water, snacks, hygiene supplies, tents, etc.
• Narcan overdose training and kits
• COVID testing and vaccinations
• Facilitation of emergency preparedness (e.g. severe weather emergencies)

Current services for homeless service providers

• COVID testing and vaccinations
• Point of contact service between homeless service providers and PHSKC
• Proactive outreach on current and upcoming public health measures
• Facilitation of emergency preparedness (e.g. severe weather emergencies)
• Education and training sessions on public health topics
• Assistance with programs such as training peer educators to provide targeted outreach
• Narcan overdose training and kits