Need help urgently? Call 828-696-8263 for assistance.
Street Outreach
All Community Members Deserve Access to Safe, Affordable Medical Care
Operating on a housing-first model, Blue Ridge Health street outreach workers attempt to reach members of the unsheltered population, as well as runaway and other street youth, to provide support and linkage to services. We know that when housing needs are met, it becomes easier to help people seek care for mental health and substance use issues, as well as find and keep employment.
Through North Carolina Emergency Solutions Grant funding from HUD, we partner with community resources to help people find judgement-free support.
Our 7th Avenue clinic sees patients just like our other locations, but with a focus on our most vulnerable population, those experiencing homelessness.
Faculty and resident staff rotate through the clinic weekly, gaining hands-on experience with the unique needs of those who are living without shelter.
Photos of 7th Avenue patients shared with written consent.
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In 2022, we assisted 842 unsheltered patients.
If you are living without shelter or without stable, safe housing, please reach out for assistance. Fill out the form below and someone from our team will be in touch.
Street Outreach Services Include:
• Making initial assessments of needs and eligibility
• Providing assistance in navigating a crisis
• Addressing urgent physical needs by providing nutrition, first aid kits, hygiene supplies, and more
• Participation in the coordinated entry system of the local Continuum of
Care (COC)
• Evaluation, verification, and documentation of eligibility
• Counseling
• Developing, securing, and coordinating services
• Helping obtain federal, state, and local benefits
• Monitoring and evaluating participant progress
• Supplies to assist with communication barriers, survival needs, emergencies, and personal care
- Assessing participants’ health conditions and developing treatment plans
- Assisting participants in understanding their health needs
- Providing or helping to obtain emergency medical treatment
- Crisis interventions
- Explanation for the use and management of medications
- Medication and follow-up services
• Transportation and transportation assistance for people experiencing homelessness to shelters or other service facilities
• Bus passes
• Navigation assistance for challenging circumstances
7th Avenue Hours:
Regular Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Coordination Care Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Outreach Hours: Wednesday and Friday 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Group visits available Monday and Tuesday afternoons
Learn More About Our Street Outreach Program
Download this brochure for more details
Harm Reduction Unit
Blue Ridge Health operates under a harm reduction model, which is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing the negative consequences associated with drug use. Harm Reduction is also a movement for social justice built on a belief in, and respect for, the rights of people who use drugs. The 7th Avenue clinic has a high risk Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Program for patients that otherwise would not be able to access MAT due to poly-substance use, low to no income, no transportation or housing, and little to no social support.
We are able to get patients in faster than other sites to start them on medications if they fit our program, and then we provide focused case management along with weekly visits to help them achieve stability. Once they have achieved some stability within the MAT program, we transition them out to other sites, where they are able to continue their recovery journey.