The Health Care for the Homeless Project of Thundermist Health Center provides health care, case management, educational services, behavioral health/substance abuse counseling and treatment, and linkages to mental health and substance abuse agencies for homeless individuals living in Rhode Island and nearby areas in Massachusetts.

Services

Direct primary care by providers at a local homeless shelter (Woonsocket) and at three health centers across the state: Woonsocket, West Warwick, and Wakefield. HCH clients may be referred to the health center for prenatal care, WIC, and dental services.

Clients have 24-hour access to health center providers who have full privileges at local hospitals. Substance use and mental health screenings are conducted and referrals are made. Education is provided in the areas of health, nutrition, mental health, substance use, parenting, and high-risk social behaviors. Social services include counseling, case management, and client advocacy. Behavioral health and substance use counseling and treatment are available on-site at all facilities.

24 hour emergency on-call, Asthma treatment, Behavioral/Mental Health Care Services, Blood Pressure Monitoring, Cancer Screening, Case Management/Social Services, Contraceptives (issued w/counseling), Convenient Care walk-in medical services available 365 days a year, Dental/oral Care, Diabetes Testing/Care, Documenting Disability Services, Domestic Violence services, Electronic Medical Records, Family Planning, Flu Vaccinations, Health/Nutritional Education, HIV/AIDS screening/education, Immunizations, Interpretation services, Labs, Medication Prescribing, Medication Dispensing, Mental Health Counseling, OB/GYN, Pediatrics, Pharmacy, Physical Exams, Primary Health Care, Referrals for Specialty Care, Services in permanent supportive housing, Shelter outreach, Specialty Care, STI Screening and Treatment, Substance Abuse Treatment, TB screening/education, Tobacco cessation, Well Child Check-ups, X-rays

Linkages

The program has linkages with several area community partners and social service organizations that serve unhoused individuals, including House of Hope CDC, Community Care Alliance, Safe Havens, and others.

Statistics

Estimated homeless population: 2,300 statewide (est.)

Patients served: 65,000 statewide in 2025