Homelessness and primary care: Problems and solutions

Abstract

As the housing circumstances of a person or family become uncertain, they often encounter a variety of people and services before losing their home. Each point of contact can be an opportunity to identify or prevent homelessness. They might have a social worker, attend addiction services, visit a food bank, or contact their GP. GP practices are embedded in local communities, and with many daily patient contacts primary care has potential to connect those at risk with appropriate services before a crisis point.