Program to provide shelter for newly discharged Valley homeless patients

PHOENIX — Valleywise Health and Central Arizona Shelter Services have partnered to provide temporary shelter for recently discharged homeless patients with chronic health issues.

The pilot program, which will begin later this month, will provide eight semi-private beds at the CASS shelter in Phoenix for patients who come from Valleywise.

Patients will receive assistance finding permanent housing, long-term health resources and other services.

“It is fitting for our historic mission at Valleywise Health to take care of the most vulnerable in our community,” Dr. Michael White, Valleywise’s chief medical officer, said in a press release.

“That includes ensuring the sick and disabled have an opportunity to obtain shelter after being discharged to help end the cycle of returning to the streets and then being readmitted back into a hospital.”

Valleywise will also provide a social worker who will work with CASS on follow-up care for patients.

“We are truly grateful to Valleywise Health for stepping up to make this new hospital drop off program a reality for people coming to CASS’ adult emergency shelter and who need recovery time after a hospital discharge,” Lisa Glow, CEO of CASS, said in the release.

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