Detroit nonprofits Central City Health (CCH) and Covenant House Michigan (CHM) announced today they are working together to support youth and young adults seeking stability, health care, and housing in metro Detroit.
HUD data reports that one in 10 young adults ages 18-24 will experience homelessness in a given year. Risk factors for homelessness in this age group include aging out of foster care, involvement in the juvenile justice system, identifying as LGBTQ, or being part of Black and Latinx communities.
“Many of our young men and women who come to Covenant House Michigan have gone without necessary basic needs such as medical and dental services,” says Gerald J. Piro, executive director of Covenant House Michigan. “The partnership with Central City Integrated Health will allow our residents, who have experienced homelessness, convenient access to comprehensive medical, dental, and mental health care.”
CHM empowers young people to overcome homelessness and trafficking, and find hope and progress by strengthening their resilience through relentless support, unconditional love, and absolute respect.
CCH is a federally qualified health center that provides integrated, comprehensive health and wellness services – including medical, dental, and behavioral – to Detroit and Wayne County residents.
“Our partnership with Covenant House Michigan will provide access to much-needed health care services to the underserved youth in our community,” says Dr. Kimberly Farrow, president of CCH. “We deeply respect the work Covenant House Michigan provides and are thrilled to support the health and wellbeing of homeless young adults.”
Under the agreement, CCH agreed to:
- Provide health services to Covenant House Michigan residents, regardless of ability to pay, including: comprehensive primary care, preventive care, and related services.
- Provide all necessary patient information to Covenant House Michigan staff as needed for patient care and to ensure coordination and continuity of care.
- Assist patients who need help facilitating appropriate coverage through assistance programs such as Medicaid.
- Work with Covenant House Michigan staff regarding any clinical or non-clinical issues or concerns.
CHM has agreed to:
- Refer young adults in the Covenant House Michigan shelter and transitional living programs who are in need of routine or emergent physical health care.
- Refer for behavioral health services when youth are experiencing a mental health crisis or in need of behavioral health services.
- Provide access to space when needed, for the Health Center staff to conduct informational health education workshops or health fairs.
- Work with CCH staff to ensure continuity in health services once youth have discharged from Covenant House Michigan.
For more information about CCH, visit here. For more information about CHM, visit here.
