The following article appears in the spring 2020 issue of the Joseph’s Journey newsletter. Read the full newsletter here.

2019 By the Numbers

Impact and Resident Demographics

Joseph’s Home provides medical respite care for medically-fragile men experiencing homelessness. All of the men we serve are literally homeless and experiencing an acute medical condition that has led to repeated emergency room visits or hospitalization.

In 2019, the men we served were most often older adults, with a physical and/or mental health disability and at least one chronic health condition.

  • 61 men served in residence and in the community
  • 8 months, average length of stay
  • 100% were literally homeless, according to HUD’s definition
  • 63% are over the age of 55
  • 88% are African-American
  • 20% are veterans
  • 73% have a physical or mental health disability
  • 82% have a chronic health condition

Health & Well-being Outcomes

Medical stability is measured by improvements made when the resident is at Joseph’s Home. Some markers of stability are more easily identifiable than others, such as coming in with an open wound and having the wound heal up, or coming in with cancer and leaving cancer free. Other markers are less obvious but can still be measured, like a reduction in outward symptoms.

  • 81% of residents were medically stable when exiting Joseph’s Home
  • 89% of residents demonstrated improvement in medication management
    • Residents are expected to take at least 90% of their medications each week. Some residents have bad weeks and struggle with this compliance. This leads to coaching and efforts from staff to increase medication compliance with the hope of increasing overall health and wellness.
  • 89% of residents demonstrated improvement in knowledge of medical condition
  • 83% of residents improved self-care ability

Housing Outcomes

Housing stability is measured by the percentage of people that exit to permanent housing and remain in that housing for a period of six months or longer. Some residents exit Joseph’s Home to higher levels of care such as assisted living, which may be more appropriate based on their medical conditions. Ultimately, the goal is to exit residents to housing situations that end their homelessness for good and are most appropriate for the individual and for remaining healthy.

  • 60% of residents achieved housing stability by entering permanent rental housing, supportive housing, assisted living, or living with friends/family
  • 43% of residents increased their incomes or obtained new/increased benefits