Advancing Care
For The Unhoused
At the forefront of health care innovation, USC Street Medicine is a groundbreaking collaboration of interdisciplinary professionals dedicated to improving the lives of the unhoused. With a strong commitment to health care for all, our program combines medical expertise, social service outreach, and cutting-edge research to address the unique challenges faced by the unhoused community in Los Angeles.
Addressing a Crisis
Homelessness has grown to epidemic proportions in California. In Los Angeles County alone, more than 52,000 people are homeless. The vast majority of homeless people are not living in shelters and have little to no medical care available to them. Street Medicine serves the homeless community by providing direct care on the streets and under bridges to the unsheltered and hardest-to-reach populations.
Priorities
Policy
We advocate for reform and resource allocation to improve access to comprehensive, patient-centered healthcare for the unhoused and underserved populations in Los Angeles.
Training and Education
Our first in the nation, dedicated residency program track provides hands-on training to medical students and trainees in delivering compassionate, holistic healthcare directly to the unhoused and underserved where the live.
Workforce Development
Immersive learning experiences, workshops, and seminars equip healthcare professionals and students with the skills and knowledge necessary to care for the unhoused and underserved.
Street Medicine Resources
A collection of resources for those interested in understanding, supporting and providing street medicine.
We Can’t Let Homeless People Die
For those that are experiencing homelessness, street medicine provides direct, comprehensive care to those living on the street and under bridges, as those experiencing homelessness often suffer from poorer health, on average have life expectancies 30 years shorter than their housed-counterparts and less access to preventive, primary and specialty health services.
Support Our Work
Southern Californians are healthier because of USC, and individuals across the nation will live better lives because of our innovative education and research. However, the life-changing work that we do is only possible because of the extraordinary support of our partners. Philanthropic support at any giving level will bring health to the most vulnerable members of our community, while helping to provide for basic needs like food, clothing, transportation and government issued IDs to support their transition to independent healthcare and living.