Many years ago Community Healthlink, Inc. recognized that so many of the homeless in our society also battle mental illness, and often a substance abuse problem. In 1985, the Homeless Outreach & Advocacy Project was established with a commitment to link the region’s homeless to a complement of services that would offer health assessments screenings, counseling, access to health care, substance abuse rehabilitation, and referral to other support systems.

Outreach performed by HOAP staff is done in the community, through a variety of shelters and other emergency care programs. Staff also seeks to establish contact with the homeless at vacant lots, and even along railroad tracks and bridges. Basic services are also available at HOAP’s primary care clinic and staff offices.

HOAP also offers services in partnership with other local health care providers such as the Great Brook Valley Health Center and Family Health Center in Worcester.