Imagine a homeless woman recently discharged from a hospital to an emergency shelter after having several toes amputated due to chronic diabetes. Forced to leave the shelter each morning and unable to return until 6 p.m., she wanders the streets all day with no place to rest, take medication or clean and dress her wounds. She struggles to find food, a bathroom or a place to sit. Exhausted and unable to manage her care, she seeks support once again in the emergency room.

Homeless individuals are in poorer health and have higher mortality rates than those with stable housing, and unless something is done, the cycle will continue. The Salvation Army is about to change that.

    When a homeless person needs critical care or surgery, hospitals take them in. The problem is, when they are well enough to go home, where does the hospital send them? Studies show that homeless individuals have higher hospital readmission rates, most occurring within the first two weeks after discharge. Unfortunately, then, the cycle begins again. Medical respite is a cost- effective and dignified approach to filling this gap in services by providing specialized care for recuperation and follow-up along with a safe place to recover. Local shelters can provide a safe place to sleep, but require the person to leave each morning. How will they keep their wound clean? Where will they find a place to rest when they need to? How will they maintain their medication schedule and set follow-up doctor's appointments?