Homeless Health Initiative

Homeless Health Initiative
Smiling child with a stethoscope on the ears.
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia’s Homeless Health Initiative provides free health services to families living in local emergency housing shelters.

Our Homeless Health Initiative (HHI) is a Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Community Impact program providing free health services to children and families living in local emergency housing shelters. Hundreds of dedicated HHI volunteers provide free health services and customized programming designed to care for the health and welfare of families experiencing homelessness. 

Our services include: 

  • High-quality, acute medical and dental care
  • Connection to health insurance as well as primary and specialty care providers
  • Health education on topics such as nutrition and fitness
  • Collaboration with local and national partners to advocate for the healthcare of children in shelters
  • Assistance in replicating the HHI model in other communities 
Need emergency housing? Philadelphia’s Office of Homeless Services

If you’re looking for emergency housing, contact Philadelphia’s Office of Homeless Services for help. After hours (nights, holidays, weekends), call 215-787-2887. 

 Contact Philadelphia’s Office of Homeless Services online

Our programs & services

From educational workshops to onsite clinical care, we offer a range of services to support the health and wellness of children and families experiencing homelessness.

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A family sitting at a table with CHOP employees.

Shelters we serve

Our Homeless Health Initiative (HHI) works with several emergency housing shelters in the Greater Philadelphia area, providing a wide range of supportive services. 

HHI patient learning to use a toothbrush on a stuffed dinosaur.

Resources for families

We have compiled these resources for families in need of emergency shelter, mental health services or crisis intervention.  

A lady is playing with the girl.

Homeless Health Initiative 2023 Annual Impact Report

Last year, HHI provided healthcare, hope and inspiration to hundreds of children and families experiencing homelessness. Our 2023 Annual Report offers an overview of our accomplishments over the year.

Four nurses at a shelter looking at a computer and phone.

Our team

Our team of experts is dedicated to providing high-quality medical care and support services to children and families experiencing homelessness. 

Thank You for Your Generosity to HHI

Our Homeless Health Initiative (HHI) appreciates the generosity of individuals, groups and organizations that donate goods and supplies to families that reside in our partner shelters in and around Philadelphia.  

Building a Partnership

In the United States alone, 37.2 million people live below the poverty level, 580,000 individuals are homeless on a typical night, 44 million individuals are at risk of experiencing hunger, and one in six children live in poverty.