BRIDGETON, NJ (August 9, 2018) — Today Inspira Health Network announced another $50,000 donation to help fund the M25 Initiative’s Cumberland County Housing First Collaborative (CCHFC) for a total of $100,000. As a founding member of the CCHFC, and in light of its staggering success, Inspira also committed to providing behavioral health and logistical support to ensure the collaborative’s success. As a result, the collaborative is another step closer to achieving its goal of ending chronic homelessness in Cumberland County by 2020.
In its start-up year, the collaborative was able to house over 50 chronically homeless individuals. After one year, housing those 50 clients has proven to show a 97% reduction in incarceration, 34% reduction in hospital usage and 75% reduction in ambulance usage.
National and State estimates place the annual cost of a chronically homeless individual between $25,000 and $40,000 as they cycle through hospitals, jails, addiction facilities and social service agencies.
"We are thrilled with the results after just one year of this initiative. The numbers speak for themselves. Under the leadership of the M25 Initiative, we are reducing health care costs and taking great strides toward ending chronic homelessness in Cumberland County," said John DiAngelo, president and CEO of Inspira Health Network.
“Housing First is a common-sense philosophy and practice that has been implemented throughout the world with a proven track record of success. Our program in Cumberland County is mirroring the success of similar endeavors by improving lives and saving money. We are grateful for Inspira’s continued support and contribution to this program. Their support is invaluable to meet the goal of ending chronic homelessness in Cumberland County,” said Dr. Robin Weinstein, Ed.D., President and Founder of the M25 Initiative.
The Housing First model places people in their own dwelling first, while simultaneously making sure that all needed medical, behavioral health and social services are being provided. Similar efforts have shown that the transition out of homelessness is much more likely to succeed if it begins with placement in permanent housing.
In 2015, Inspira Health Network provided $3,000 in seed money to help M25 develop a program to eliminate homelessness. Inspira has also provided clinical expertise through its Behavioral Health Services. Dave Moore, executive director of Behavioral Health for Inspira, serves on the M25 Board.
“National and local data demonstrates that Housing First is not only the right thing to do, but it is also a cost-effective model,” said Dave Moore, executive director of Behavioral Health for Inspira and M25 board member.
For more information about the Cumberland County Housing First Collaborative and to donate or get involved, please visit www.endhomelessness2020.com or call 1-844-M25-HOPE.
About the Cumberland County Housing First Collaborative (CCHFC)
The Cumberland County Housing First Collaborative (CCHFC) is a unique consortium of social service organizations, faith-based institutions and government officials committed to tackling the problem of chronic homelessness in Cumberland County. The guiding agency of this collaborative is the M25 Initiative, a nonprofit organization based in Bridgeton, which also facilitates the grassroots Cumberland County Code Blue Coalition. The other partners of the collaborative include Gateway Community Action Partnership, PRAC of Southern New Jersey, Resources for Independent Living, Inspira Health Network, CompleteCare Health Network, Volunteers of America Delaware Valley and the Cumberland County Jail and government.
About Inspira Health Network
Inspira Health Network is a charitable nonprofit health care organization serving communities across southern New Jersey. The network, which traces its roots to 1899, comprises three hospitals, a comprehensive cancer center, several multi-specialty health centers and a total of more than 150 access points. These include urgent care; outpatient imaging and rehabilitation; numerous specialty centers, including sleep medicine, cardiac testing, digestive health and wound care; home care and hospice; and more than 30 primary and specialty physician practices in Gloucester, Cumberland, Salem and Camden counties.
Together with its medical staff of more than 1,100 physicians and other care providers, as well as more than 5,700 employees, Inspira Health Network provides evidence-based care to help each patient achieve the best possible outcome. Accredited by DNV Healthcare, the network’s clinical and support staffs are focused on providing quality care in a safe environment. For more information about Inspira Health Network, visit www.InspiraHealthNetwork.org or call 1-800-INSPIRA.
For more information about Inspira Health Network, please visit www.InspiraHealthNetwork.org or call 1-800-INSPIRA. To stay connected with Inspira announcements and work being done in the community, please join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.
