By Dennis Spellman
HOUSTON, TX - St. Paul鈥檚 United Methodist Church in Houston鈥檚 Midtown neighborhood has been serving the homeless population for years. One year ago, the 兔子先生 College of Nursing added a Nurse-managed Health Clinic that expanded the care provided to the homeless and working poor. It attracted clients in search of services and volunteers in search of opportunities to give back.
鈥淭he UH Clinic is the medical link in the chain of care for homeless clients,鈥� said attorney Scott Ramsey who volunteers at the clinic with his wife, Cindy. 鈥淭he staff provides basic medical care, screening, tests, medications and referrals for clients who are part of a vulnerable group whose health needs go largely untreated.鈥�
The Ramsey鈥檚 are members of St. Paul鈥檚, which is how they became involved with the Clinic.
鈥淥ur work at the Clinic is a continuation of our interest in helping those Houston organizations trying to end homelessness in our city,鈥� Ramsey said.
Located at the Abraham Station on the campus of St. Paul鈥檚 at 5401 Fannin Street, the clinic draws patients from those who visit the food pantry and clothing center operated by the (EAC).
Before UH opened the nurse-managed clinic, the EAC and the homeless advocacy organization SEARCH were already providing vital services to the homeless and working poor. The UH Clinic completes the circle of services already in place at St. Paul鈥檚. The organization feeds 250 people daily in an interfaith effort supported by the members of fifteen churches, mosques, and synagogues. It鈥檚 been helping those in need for 40 years.
鈥淭he best way to provide the homeless with healthcare is to take it directly to them,鈥� said UH鈥檚 Shainy Varghese, associate professor of nursing, nurse practitioner, and clinic director. 鈥淭he working poor come to get groceries and clothing. The homeless come for sack lunches.鈥�
Nursing students also receive hands-on experience in caring for these populations.
鈥淎t the clinic, Cindy and I do preliminary blood pressure and educate clients about the services offered by the clinic. Then, when needed, we will direct clients to clinic staff,鈥� Ramsey said. 鈥淲e also assist, when asked, in obtaining clothes, backpacks, and other simple requests for the clients. We will also pair clients with EAC staff to handle larger or recurring requests.鈥�
While the Clinic has received support from foundations and donors, Varghese says support of volunteers also is essential.
鈥淭hey are very passionate about what they are doing and very humble, and they are both interested in supporting the clinic team with the blood pressure clinic,鈥� she said. 鈥淪cott and Cindy are wonderful members and have served in many ways at the church.鈥�
鈥淎lthough most of the people we have dealt with at the clinic are living on the street and faced with almost insurmountable problems, they are gracious and hopeful, courteous and friendly, and not filled with anger and rage at their situation,鈥� Ramsey said. 鈥淭hey are resilient and respond like we all do to basic kindness and need human contact, a helpful word, and a friendly face.
鈥淭heir efforts have produced striking results, and Houston has become a model for ending homelessness,鈥� Ramsey said.