Post Acute, where we treat those without a home

Progetto Arca answer to one of the main vulnerabilities of homeless people, the healthcare aspect, through the ambulatories of its hosting centres and the “Reparto Post Acute for Homeless”.

24/7 Healthcare and Shelter

The Reparto Post Acute for Homeless welcomes homeless individuals who, after being discharged from hospitals, still need ongoing medical and nursing care in a safe and therapeutic environment. This support is critical during the delicate recovery phase, helping to prevent relapses and readmissions, which would be inevitable if they returned to life on the streets.

Launched experimentally in 2013 in collaboration with Doctors Without Borders, the unit has been managed independently by Progetto Arca since the following year. Today, it is a key reference center for the Agenzia di Tutela della Salute (ATS) and the Municipality of Milan, as well as a crucial part of the network supporting the healthcare system for the city’s most vulnerable people.

The center features three rooms, 20 beds, and a team of professionals including doctors, nurses, and social healthcare staff, using a holistic care approach that addresses the person’s overall needs.

The Goal: Ensuring No One Returns to Life on the Streets

In recent years, the health conditions of our patients have worsened, with their clinical situations often severely compromised. Most suffer from multiple chronic conditions, often worsened by years of living on the streets. These include acute respiratory infections, skin diseases, heart disorders, and post-surgical complications, often requiring polypharmacy.

The recovery period is part of a broader social support project aimed at offering sustainable alternatives to life on the streets after discharge.

The medical and nursing staff of the “Reparto Post Acute for Homeless” work closely with the social team and local services to identify the most suitable housing solutions and care facilities. Of the 72 individuals discharged in the past year, 73% continued their recovery in care or rehabilitation services, either at Progetto Arca facilities or those of other organizations. 10% regained their independence, and 17% were directed to other local services.