HEALTHCARE FOR THE HOMELESS

"I don’t know if we could have done it without YPTC’s help"

Healthcare for the Homeless is Houston’s only federally qualified health center exclusively providing care to individuals affected by homelessness. Through integrated healthcare and collaborative partnerships that offer accessible and comprehensive quality care, the organization is providing pathways for people to move beyond the cycle of homelessness with health, hope and dignity. Whether living on the streets or in shelters, transitional or permanent supportive housing, or at risk of homelessness, no one is denied care based on their ability to pay. A wide range of healthcare programs are offered, including primary and pediatric medical care, behavioral and mental health, and dental, vision, ophthalmology and podiatry services. Founded in 1999, HHH today operates three integrated care clinics throughout the sprawling city, provides on-site care at seven permanent supportive housing communities, and runs innovative community outreach programs linking those affected by homelessness with resources critical to overall health and stability.

Chief Financial Officer Gaby Cordero came onboard HHH at a difficult time. The previous CFO had recently passed away and the CEO and Chief Development Officer were also new. “There were a lot of new people at the top. We reached out to YPTC because we had deadlines approaching rapidly with our audit, our 990 and an HRSA [Health Resources and Services Administration] operational site visit,” Cordero recalls. “We thought we could do what was necessary ourselves, but we quickly realized we could not.”

Cordero is impressed with how rapidly YPTC responded. “I think we called them on a Monday or a Tuesday and by Friday we already had YPTC Associate Molly Yoon. Molly is amazing! She got our books straightened out right away and got everything we needed for our audit and 990 schedules. Our books are easier to read, and we can report information more accurately. I don’t know if we could have done it without YPTC’s help.”

YPTC is continuing to work with HHH in a more limited capacity, but Cordero is certain YPTC will be brought back in as more needs arise. “We’re really happy with the results,” she says, “You guys are still going to be there for us.”