Response To The Pandemic: Housing For Health In The Va Tent Community

Abstract

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, an innovative approach to providing integrated primary care services was initiated in the Veterans Administration Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (Figure 1). The Care, Treatment and Rehabilitation Services, a unique street medicine program, was placed within an encampment that is supported by the West Los Angeles VA health care services including onsite provision of 24/7 security, stability of tent sites, 3 meals a day, unlimited water, hygiene stations, face masks, showers and housing placement services.