In a significant move to aid Santa Clara County's unhoused residents, the Valley Homeless Healthcare Program (VHHP) has more than doubled its service capacity with an expansion of its Valley Health Center (VHC) at the HomeFirst Shelter. The clinic, located on Little Orchard Street in San Jose, can now facilitate up to 3,000 visits thanks to the addition of 2,200 square feet, bringing the total space to almost 4,000 sq. ft. This expansion aims not only to enhance the medical services provided but also to create a better work environment for staff, as reported by Santa Clara County news.
The ambitious project was driven by the need to accommodate growing demands for healthcare among the unsheltered population, providing an array of services such as medical, social work, psychiatry, and psychology - regardless of a patient's shelter status. Cindy Chavez, County of Santa Clara Supervisor, maintained that everyone deserves to have access to critical healthcare needs. "This allows the County to provide the proper medical and support services to those most in need," Chavez said, highlighting the importance of accessibility in healthcare services.
Improvements to the VHC at HomeFirst Shelter include increased space for patient care and more extensive resources, including dedicated areas for social work and outreach. The clinic now features designated staff entrances and exits to enhance safety and is fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Otto Lee, another County of Santa Clara Supervisor, emphasized the location's role in the community. "We're eager to utilize this new space to continue our mission-oriented work, and meet the comprehensive needs of our unsheltered neighbors," Lee told Santa Clara County news.
VHHP operates multiple clinics across Santa Clara County and three Mobile Health Centers serving several locations. Special programs like the Medical Respite Program, Gender Clinic, and Teen Van tailor to specific health care needs within the community. With support from the Board of Supervisors, the expansion is set to significantly improve access to crucial healthcare and social services. "Caring for those that need our help the most is at the heart of what the County does," Greta Hansen, Chief Operating Officer for the County of Santa Clara, said, reinforcing the commitment to supporting vulnerable populations.
HomeFirst's CEO, Andrea Urton, also underlined the importance of this development. "Expanding healthcare services directly to those experiencing homelessness or who have the most barriers to care is not just necessary; it's a lifeline," Urton explained, acknowledging the partnership's role in making the clinic expansion a reality.
